Geranium macrorrhizum
aka
Rock Crane's Bill
Taxonomy
ID: 6296
Geranium macrorrhizum, also known as bigroot geranium, Bulgarian geranium, and rock crane's-bill, is a hardy flowering herbaceous perennial plant in the Geraniaceae family. Native to the South east Alps and the Balkans, this plant is a rhizomatous semi-evergreen perennial that forms a thick, weed-resistant ground cover. It has deeply lobed and rounded grayish-green leaves that emit a strong aroma when crushed. The leaves turn attractive red tones in autumn. In late spring to early summer, long-lasting purple-pink flowers with inflated dark red calyces bloom in clusters above the foliage. There may be sporadic rebloom throughout the summer. The plant is cultivated as an ornamental groundcover in temperate regions, with named cultivars selected for various flower colors including white, pink, and magenta. Some popular cultivars include 'Ingwersen's Variety' and 'White-ness', which have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Geranium macrorrhizum has traditional uses in herbal medicine and its essential oil is used in aromatherapy. It contains various components such as flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, phenolic acids, pigments, vitamins, and mineral salts. One of the components, sesquiterpene ketone germacrone, has shown high antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis. In the Bulgarian language, the name for all types of geraniums is derived from the word "здрав" which means "healthy".
Overall, Geranium macrorrhizum is a floriferous carpet-forming perennial that spreads and provides a beautiful ground cover with its aromatic leaves and vibrant flowers.
Common names
Rock Crane's Bill, Bigroot Geranium, Bulgarian Geranium, Cranesbill, Rock Cranesbill
More information about Rock Crane's Bill
How difficult is it to take care of Rock Crane's Bill
Rock Crane's Bill is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
What is the region of origin of Rock Crane's Bill
Rock Crane's Bill’s native range is C. Europe. A garden escape in Britain in S. Devon.
What are the water needs for Rock Crane's Bill
Rock Crane's Bill should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Rock Crane's Bill
Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Rock Crane's Bill is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.
Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.
How to fertilize Rock Crane's Bill
The Rock Crane's Bill should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Is Rock Crane's Bill toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
