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Herbaceous Perennial

Geranium macrorrhizum 'Velebit'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

big-root cranesbill 'Velebit'

A herbaceous perennial, 30cm high, spreading by rhizomes, with semi-evergreen, aromatic, lobed green leaves, which turn red in autumn, and long stems, held well above the leaves, of mid magenta-pink flowers, with reddish calyces which are less inflated than most G. macrorrhizum varieties, from late spring to midsummer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Red Green
Winter Red Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Geraniaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Geranium can be annuals, biennials and perennials, herbaceous or evergreen, with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves, and lax inflorescences of rounded, 5-petalled flowers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun or shade in well-drained soil; excellent for ground cover

Propagation

Propagate by division or by rhizome cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Garden edging
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free, but may be susceptible to capsid bug, geranium sawfly, vine weevil, slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free, but may be affected by a rust, a downy mildew, leafy gall, and virus diseases; may also be affected powdery mildews in dry conditions

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