Bigroot Geranium Geranium macrorrhizum 'Ridsko'
ABOUT
Geranium macrorrhizum 'Ridsko', commonly known as bigroot geranium, is a perennial plant characterized by its lush foliage and attractive flowers. The leaves of bigroot geranium are rounded, palmately lobed, and have a distinctive and pleasant aroma, which is released when they are brushed or crushed. These leaves typically exhibit a deep green color with hints of lighter shades and may have a slightly fuzzy texture. During the blooming season, the bigroot geranium produces clusters of flowers that rise above the foliage on sturdy stems. The flowers are small but abundant, presenting a striking show of color. They typically come in shades of pink and magenta, sometimes with veining or lighter centers that create a beautiful contrast against the dark foliage. These blooms are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding to the plant's ornamental value. Overall, the appearance of the bigroot geranium 'Ridsko' is one of lush foliage coupled with vibrant, eye-catching flowers, creating a robust and desirable addition to any garden space where a pop of color and a natural, soothing ambiance is desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Bigroot Geranium, Balkan Cranesbill, Rock Cranesbill, Bulgarian Geranium.
Common names
Geranium macrorrhizum 'Ridsko'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geranium macrorrhizum, commonly known as bigroot geranium, is not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of this plant typically does not result in poisoning or adverse symptoms.
To pets
Bigroot geranium is also not considered toxic to pets. It is generally regarded as safe, so there should be no toxic consequences or symptoms of poisoning if pets ingest parts of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot 2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot 2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Balkans
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can handle periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas.
- Ground Cover: It spreads to form a dense mat, which can effectively suppress weeds and cover bare spots in gardens.
- Erosion Control: The plant's network of roots helps to stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, with no need for frequent watering or fertilizing.
- Pest Resistance: It is generally resistant to deer and rabbits, reducing the need for pest control measures.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers bright pink to purplish flowers and fragrant foliage, enhancing visual interest in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest with evergreen leaves in mild climates and seasonal flower blooms.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated through division, allowing gardeners to create more plants for use in other areas or to share.
Medical Properties- Antiseptic - Geranium macrorrhizum has properties that can help to combat bacteria and fungi.
- Astringent - Traditionally, it has been used to tighten and tone the skin, and may help in reducing inflammation.
- Diuretic - There are claims that it can increase urine production, assisting in the removal of excess water and toxins from the body.
- Anti-inflammatory - The plant extracts are known to help in reducing inflammation, although specific studies are limited.
- Topical Wound Healing - Infusions or poultices made from the leaves may have been applied to minor wounds to promote healing.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium Ridsko can be used as a natural insect repellent due to its strong scent which many insects find unpleasant.
- The plant's dense growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover to prevent soil erosion on slopes and in garden areas where other plants might struggle to establish.
- It can be planted in garden borders to provide a long-season of foliage interest as its leaves change color in the fall, offering an aesthetic value.
- Geranium Ridsko can be used in potpourris or as closet fresheners; the leaves retain scent and can be dried for long-term fragrance use.
- The robust root system of Geranium Ridsko can help stabilize garden railway systems by maintaining embankments and reducing track movement from soil erosion.
- This plant can be incorporated into sensory gardens, as its leaves have a distinct texture and scent, providing a sensory experience upon touching or brushing against them.
- Due to its ability to flourish in dry shade, it can be used under large trees or shrubs where other plants won't grow, thus optimizing garden spaces that are commonly bare.
- Geranium Ridsko can be used as a living mulch, as its foliage shades the ground, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
- This geranium variety can be used to create informal, low-maintenance hedging in cottage garden settings, blending with various other plants.
- The plant's attractive foliage can be used in floral arrangements as filler material, providing a contrast in texture to other flowers and foliage.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bigroot Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bigroot Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Health: Geranium macrorrhizum, commonly known as bigroot geranium or Bulgarian geranium, is often associated with health and vitality due to its robust growth and medicinal properties.
- Friendship: Geraniums, in general, symbolize close bonds and friendships, possibly due to their pleasant scent and hardy nature.
- Good Luck: Carrying the essence of positivity, geraniums are sometimes thought to bring good luck to the bearer or the place where they are grown.
- Peacefulness: The bigroot geranium, with its soothing fragrance and attractive foliage, can be symbolic of tranquility and a stress-free environment.
- Protection: Some cultures believe planting geraniums can ward off negative energies and even certain pests, symbolizing protective qualities.
WaterBigroot Geranium should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring the water penetrates the soil and reaches the roots without leaving the soil waterlogged. During hot and dry periods, increase watering to twice a week. Each watering session should provide enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about 6 inches; this typically means using approximately 1 gallon of water per square foot of soil, depending on soil composition. Decrease the amount of water during the fall and winter when the plant's growth slows down. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
LightBigroot Geranium thrives in partial to full sunlight, ideally receiving around 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day. The best spot for this plant is where it can get morning sun and afternoon shade, as the intense heat of the midday sun can sometimes be too harsh. However, it can also adapt to slightly shadier conditions, making it a versatile choice for many garden spots.
TemperatureBigroot Geranium prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F, which is ideal for its growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F and can handle maximum temperatures up to approximately 85°F. To maintain vigorous growth, try to keep the Bigroot Geranium within the ideal temperature range, especially during the growing season.
PruningBigroot Geranium benefits from pruning to remove dead or yellowing leaves and to shape the plant for a neater appearance. Pruning should be done in early spring or after the plant has flowered, cutting back overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Typically, pruning once a year is adequate, but if the geranium becomes leggy during the growing season, a light trim can help.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBigroot Geranium thrives in well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.5. Mix garden soil, compost, and perlite or pine bark for improved drainage.
RepottingBigroot Geraniums generally do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years provided that they are not overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingBigroot Geranium prefers average humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate both dry and humid conditions without special care.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bigroot Geranium near a window with indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Bigroot Geranium in partial shade and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium macrorrhizum 'Ingwersen's Variety', commonly known as Bigroot Geranium, starts its life cycle with seed germination occurring in warm, moist soil conditions, typically in spring. The seedlings quickly establish a root system and produce a rosette of leaves, entering a vegetative growth phase during which they develop the characteristic deeply lobed, aromatic leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of small, pink or purplish flowers attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into beak-like seed capsules that propel seeds away from the parent plant when ripe, ensuring wider dispersal. The plant may also propagate vegetatively by rhizome expansion, creating a dense ground cover as it spreads. In autumn, the foliage often turns reddish-brown, and the plant enters dormancy over winter, with the rhizomes surviving underground until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Geranium macrorrhizum 'Ingwersen's Variety', commonly known as Bigroot Geranium, is most successfully propagated through division. The best time to propagate by division is in either spring or autumn when the plant is not in its flowering stage. To do so, dig up the plant gently, ensuring as much of the root system remains intact as possible. The clumps can then be carefully separated by hand or with a sharp knife, making sure each division has several growth points or buds. These individual divisions can then be replanted into prepared soil, maintaining the same depth they were growing at previously. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Division is not only the most popular method due to its ease and effectiveness but also helps to rejuvenate older plants that might be getting too large or showing signs of diminished vigor.
