Bigroot Geranium Geranium macrorrhizum 'Ingwersen's Variety'

Water

Bigroot Geranium should be watered thoroughly until the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Typically, watering every week during dry spells is sufficient. Adjust watering based on weather conditions and soil drainage; less water may be needed during rainy periods or if the soil retains moisture well. During the peak of summer, it may require watering twice a week if the weather is particularly hot and dry. Generally, one inch of water per week is a good rule of thumb, which equates to about 0.62 gallons per square foot depending on the garden bed size.

Light

Bigroot Geranium thrives in partial shade to full sun. The best spot for the plant is a location where it receives morning sunlight and is protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. However, it is adaptable and can tolerate a range of light conditions, making it a versatile choice for many garden areas.

Temperature

Bigroot Geranium prefers temperate conditions and is hardy in a range of temperatures, typically from 20°F to 80°F. This perennial is quite frost-tolerant and can withstand cold winters. Its ideal growing temperature is between 60°F and 70°F, ensuring healthy growth and flowering.

Pruning

Prune Bigroot Geranium to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning should be done in early spring or after the plant has finished blooming. Removing spent flowers and dead leaves also promotes healthier plants and potentially more blooms. It's usually not necessary to prune more than once per season unless the plant becomes leggy or overgrown.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Bigroot Geranium thrives in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; a mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.2.

Repotting

Bigroot Geranium does not require frequent repotting and should be repotted only when it outgrows its current container, typically every 2 to 3 years.

Humidity & Misting

Bigroot Geranium prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity environments, making it suitable for average household conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering for indoor Bigroot Geraniums.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, amend soil with compost, and water regularly for outdoor Bigroot Geraniums.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Geranium macrorrhizum 'Ingwersen's Variety', commonly known as Bigroot Geranium or Ingwersen's Variety Geranium, begins its life cycle as seeds that can be sown in pots or directly in the garden after the last frost. The seeds germinate, typically within a few weeks, and develop into seedlings with distinct foliage. As the plant matures, it produces thick rhizomes that help store energy and anchor the plant in the soil. Throughout spring and summer, the plant grows vigorously, forming a mound of deeply lobed, aromatic leaves, and producing clusters of delicate, soft pink flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After blooming, the plant sets seeds, which can be dispersed by wind or animals to propagate new plants, completing the reproductive cycle. During autumn and into winter, the foliage often takes on reddish tones and the plant becomes dormant, retracting energy back into the rhizomes until the next growth cycle begins in spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Geranium macrorrhizum 'Ingwersen's Variety', commonly known as Bigroot Geranium, is through division of the plant's clumps. This is ideally done in the spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established plant and gently separate the rootball into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy amount of roots. These sections can then be immediately replanted into prepared soil, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly until they establish, which will facilitate their successful development into mature, flowering specimens.