Bigroot Geranium Geranium macrorrhizum 'Lohfelden'
ABOUT
Geranium macrorrhizum 'Lohfelden', commonly known as the bigroot geranium, has a striking appearance that adds charm to any garden setting. This perennial plant is characterized by its rounded, lobed leaves that often bear a soft, velvety texture and emit a distinct aromatic fragrance when crushed. The foliage typically displays a rich, green color with a tendency to turn shades of red and bronze in the cooler months, adding further interest to the plant's year-round appeal. The bigroot geranium is renowned for its abundant flowering habit. The flowers are small yet numerous, forming attractive clusters. Each delicate bloom has five petals, and the blossoms are often a vivid pink or magenta color, creating a vibrant display against the backdrop of the plant's lush foliage. Additionally, the flowers may attract a variety of pollinators to the garden, including bees and butterflies, which adds to the dynamic and lively nature of the plant. After flowering, beaked seed capsules develop, which can add further decorative interest to the plant. These seedheads may persist into the winter months, providing visual texture even when other plants have ceased to bloom. The bigroot geranium's growth habit is generally clumping, creating dense and attractive mounds of foliage that serve as excellent ground cover in garden borders or naturalized areas. Overall, the Geranium macrorrhizum 'Lohfelden' is admired for its ornamental qualities and ease of care, making it a popular choice among gardeners.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Bigroot Geranium, Rock Crane's-bill, Bulgarian Geranium, Balkan Cranesbill
Common names
Geranium macrorrhizum 'Lohfelden'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Geranium macrorrhizum, commonly known as the Bigroot Geranium, is not considered toxic to humans. It is generally regarded as safe, and there are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant.
To pets
The Bigroot Geranium is also not considered toxic to pets. It is generally safe for cats and dogs, and there are no commonly reported symptoms of poisoning in pets from ingesting this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Southeastern Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Geranium macrorrhizum 'Lohfelden', commonly known as bigroot geranium, is known for its low maintenance and ease of cultivation.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, it can handle periods of drought, making it ideal for gardens in drier climates.
- Ground cover: With its spreading habit, it serves as an effective ground cover, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- Shade tolerance: This plant can thrive in both full sun and part shade, offering versatility in garden placement.
- Aesthetic appeal: Produces attractive pink flowers which add a color splash to the garden from spring to summer.
- Fragrant foliage: The leaves emit a strong scent which can be pleasant in the garden and can also deter pests.
- Seasonal interest: In autumn, the leaves often change to beautiful shades of red and orange, providing seasonal color change.
- Wildlife friendly: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, which is beneficial for garden biodiversity.
Medical Properties- Antiseptic: The plant contains natural compounds with potential antiseptic properties that may help in disinfecting minor wounds.
- Anti-inflammatory: Geranium macrorrhizum may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help reduce inflammation in various conditions.
- Astringent: The astringent properties of the plant could be useful in toning the skin and mucous membranes.
- Diuretic: Traditionally, it has been used for its diuretic properties, helping to promote the production of urine and the removal of excess fluid from the body.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium macrorrhizum 'Lohfelden', commonly known as Bigroot Geranium, can be used as a natural insect repellent due to the strong scent of its foliage, which is displeasing to many insects.
- The plant can be incorporated into potpourris or sachets to impart its fragrance into linens and clothing when dried and crushed.
- Bigroot Geranium leaves can be infused in oils to create a fragrant essential oil that can be used in aromatherapy or as a perfume base.
- The plant's ground-covering ability makes it effective for erosion control on slopes or banks where its dense mat of roots helps to hold the soil in place.
- Culinary uses can include the use of its scented leaves to flavor sugar or as a decorative and subtly flavored addition to cakes and desserts, though this is not a common practice.
- The dense foliage can be used to create a living mulch that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture in garden beds.
- Geranium macrorrhizum 'Lohfelden' can be used as a filler plant in floral arrangements, providing a lush, green backdrop for more colorful flowers.
- In the textile industry, the plant has potential as a natural dye source for fabrics, yielding a range of soft green to brown hues.
- Featuring an attractive fall color, leaves of the Bigroot Geranium can be collected and used to create natural autumnal wreaths and decorations.
- As a companion plant in the vegetable garden, Bigroot Geranium can help to deter pests from more sensitive crops due to its strong scent and dense growth.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Geraniums are often associated with warding off evil spirits and negative energies. The thick, aromatic foliage of Geranium macrorrhizum 'Lohfelden' is believed to help protect and purify the environment.
- Friendship: Sharing a geranium plant is thought to symbolize a wish for good friendship, possibly because of their long flowering season and hardy nature, which could be likened to the desirable qualities of a good friend.
- Health: Due to their medicinal properties, geraniums symbolize good health and the promotion of healing.
- Fertility: With their lush growth and prolific blooming, geraniums are sometimes seen as symbols of fertility and abundance.
- Unity: The tight clusters of flowers on the geranium symbolize togetherness and unity, making them an appropriate gift to celebrate a close-knit group or family.
WaterBigroot Geranium prefers even moisture, so water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week. In the active growing season, provide one to two gallons per plant every week, adjusting for rainfall. During the winter or in cooler climates, reduce watering to every other week or less, as the plant requires less moisture when dormant. Overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure proper drainage. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease.
LightBigroot Geranium thrives in part shade to full sun. The ideal location is where it will receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Too much shade will limit blooming, while too much direct afternoon sun can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureBigroot Geranium grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. Extreme heat above 85°F may stress the plant and cause it to need additional watering.
PruningBigroot Geranium should be pruned to remove dead leaves and spent flower stems to encourage new growth and improve air circulation. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Light pruning can also be done after the first flush of flowers to maintain shape and promote a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Bigroot Geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum 'Lohfelden') is well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.8 to 7.2. Amend garden soil with compost and perlite to improve drainage and fertility.
RepottingBigroot Geranium typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3-4 years, or as needed when the plant outgrows its container or the soil becomes compacted.
Humidity & MistingBigroot Geranium thrives in average household humidity levels, preferably between 30-50%. They are adaptable to lower humidity conditions and do not require high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bigroot Geranium in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, water as needed.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleGeranium macrorrhizum 'Lohfelden', commonly known as Bigroot Geranium, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination produces a small rosette of leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a robust root system that can quickly spread and become a dense groundcover. Foliage growth is followed by the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, where it presents clusters of pink to magenta blooms attracting pollinators. After pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed, often by ants attracted to a fatty appendage on the seeds, encouraging the spread of the plant. Throughout the growing season, Bigroot Geranium retains its leaves, but in colder climates, it may die back to the ground in winter, undergoing a brief period of dormancy. As temperatures warm in spring, the plant re-emerges from its rootstock, ready to begin the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Geranium macrorrhizum 'Lohfelden', commonly known as Bigroot Geranium, is most commonly propagated through division. This method is typically done in early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring to get a good amount of the root system. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with some roots and shoots attached. Plant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to give each new plant enough space to grow. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Division is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness, allowing gardeners to rapidly increase their stock of Bigroot Geraniums while maintaining the genetic consistency of the parent plant.
