Bigroot Geranium Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety'
ABOUT
Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety', commonly known as Bevan's Variety cranesbill, is an attractive perennial that features robust and aromatic foliage, which is often semi-evergreen depending on the climate. The leaves are deeply lobed, somewhat rounded in shape, and have a rich, green color that can turn to shades of red in autumn, adding seasonal interest. The plant is adorned with vibrant magenta-pink flowers that have prominent darker pink veining on the petals, giving them a striking appearance. These flowers are clustered above the foliage on slender stems and create a colorful display in late spring to early summer. The blossoms are rounded and slightly cupped, drawing attention from a variety of pollinators. Bevan's Variety cranesbill also produces distinctive seed heads that are beak-like in appearance, which is a characteristic that gives the cranesbill its name. This plant is valued not only for its floral display but also for its ground-covering ability, as it forms a dense mat that can suppress weeds and provide a lush, low-maintenance carpet in the garden landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Bigroot Geranium, Bulgarian Geranium, Rock Crane's-bill.
Common names
Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bigroot geraniums, like the 'Bevan's Variety,' are generally not considered poisonous to humans. They are commonly used in gardens and landscapes without reports of toxicity. Therefore, there is no well-documented risk of poisoning or symptoms associated with ingesting parts of this plant for humans.
To pets
Bigroot geraniums, specifically the 'Bevan's Variety,' are also not known to be toxic to pets. They are safe for use in areas where pets may have access and there are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with the ingestion of this plant by pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Magenta
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Balkans
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety', commonly known as Bigroot Geranium, is known for its ease of cultivation and care, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Ground Cover: It serves as an excellent ground cover, spreading quickly to fill in areas and suppress weeds.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant produces flowers that are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Deer Resistant: Bigroot Geranium's foliage has a strong scent that is generally unappealing to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage by browsing animals.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit helps stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Seasonal Interest: With vibrant and colorful blooms typically in pink to magenta tones, it adds visual appeal to gardens from late spring to early summer.
- Fragrant Foliage: The leaves of the plant emit a pleasant fragrance when brushed or crushed, adding an aromatic element to the garden space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety', commonly known as Bigroot Geranium, can be used as a natural dye source. The leaves and roots can provide color for fabrics and other materials.
- The crushed foliage of Bigroot Geranium emits a strong scent that can be used to deter certain pests in the garden, providing a natural form of pest control.
- Its dense growth habit makes it a practical choice for erosion control on sloped areas, as the roots help hold the soil in place.
- Planted alongside vegetable gardens, Bigroot Geranium may assist in repelling rabbits and deer, which tend to avoid the plant due to its scent.
- As a ground cover in shaded areas, it competes with weeds and helps reduce the need for manual weed removal.
- The plant can be included in sensory gardens because of its aromatic leaves, which provide olfactory stimulation when touched.
- Dried leaves of the Bigroot Geranium can be used in potpourri concoctions to add a forest-like, minty fragrance to a room.
- Its dense mat-forming nature can be utilized to cover unsightly areas of the garden, such as the bases of bare-stemmed shrubs.
- The contrasting colors of its foliage and flowers make it suitable for flower pressing, which can then be used in craft projects.
- During the fall, the foliage may turn red, providing an unexpected splash of color in the garden when many other plants are beginning to decline.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cranesbill, also known as Hardy Geranium, can be used in Feng Shui for its calming energy and ability to improve environmental chi, particularly in areas that require the Wood element, such as East and Southeast areas of a space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hardy Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Geraniums in general are often associated with protection due to their strong aroma, which is believed to repel negative energies and even insects.
- Health: Known for their healing properties, geraniums symbolize good health and are sometimes used in traditional remedies.
- Friendship: Giving someone a geranium plant like 'Bevan's Variety' is often seen as a gesture of friendship and well-wishing.
- Peace: The geranium's pleasant scent and attractive appearance are commonly associated with creating a peaceful and calming environment.
- Positive Spirit: The bright and uplifting nature of the flowers represent a positive spirit and outlook on life.
WaterBigroot Geranium should be watered regularly, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. Generally, water about 1 inch per week if there has been no rainfall; that's roughly about 0.6 gallons per square foot every seven days. During hot or dry periods, increase the watering slightly, but always allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering. Water at the base of the plant to minimize wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightBigroot Geranium thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideal planting spots would allow for morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms, while too much intense afternoon sun may stress the plant in hotter climates.
TemperatureBigroot Geranium performs best in temperate climates and can tolerate a broad range of temperatures. They can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 80°F, but the ideal temperature range for active growth is between 60°F and 70°F. They are cold-hardy and can handle frost without significant damage.
PruningBigroot Geranium should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to shape the plant, typically once a year. Pruning can be done in early spring or after the blooming period has finished to encourage a second flush of growth and flowers. Cut back the plant by about a third to promote healthy, dense foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for the Bigroot Geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety') should be well-draining, enriched with organic matter, and have a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (5.8 to 7.0). A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand would be suitable for maintaining health and supporting robust growth.
RepottingBigroot Geranium generally does not require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. Repot only when the plant has outgrown its current container or when the soil is exhausted, usually every 3 to 4 years.
Humidity & MistingBigroot Geranium is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average household humidity. It does not have specific humidity requirements, making it adaptable to most outdoor garden settings as well.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, amend soil with organic matter.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety', commonly known as Bigroot Geranium, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, given sufficient moisture and light. Seedlings develop into a rosette of leaves as they establish a strong root system, characterized by the plant's thick, rhizomatous roots that give it its common name. As the plant matures, it produces lobed, aromatic leaves and in late spring to early summer, it enters its flowering stage, displaying clusters of bright magenta flowers that attract various pollinators. After pollination, it develops distinctive beaked seed capsules, which when ripe, can propel seeds some distance from the parent plant, aiding in its spread. Throughout the growing seasons, Bigroot Geranium forms dense mats of foliage that cover the ground, and it enters dormancy in the winter, with the foliage often turning reddish in the autumn. The plant is a perennial, so it re-emerges from its rootstock each spring to repeat the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety', commonly known as Bigroot geranium, is most often propagated by division, a simple and efficient method to increase your plant stock. The best time to divide Bigroot geraniums is in spring or early fall when the plant is not in full bloom and temperatures are mild. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate it into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy root system. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing at originally, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new divisions well and maintain consistent moisture until they are established. This method not only multiplies your plants but also rejuvenates older clumps that may have become woody or less vigorous over time.
