Bigroot Geranium Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album'
ABOUT
The Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album', commonly known as the bigroot geranium, is an attractive perennial plant that boasts a lush mound of aromatic foliage. The leaves are deeply lobed, creating a palm-like appearance, and they are usually a bright to frosted green. What makes the 'Album' variety stand out is its clean, white flowers, which contrast beautifully with the greenery. These blooms have five rounded petals and form clusters that rise just above the foliage on delicate stems. As the seasons change, the leaves often develop reddish tones, providing a display of autumnal color. This plant is also known for its rhizomatous roots, which account for the "bigroot" portion of its name and contribute to its robust nature. Overall, the bigroot geranium 'Album' is appreciated for its floral display, aromatic leaves, and the ability to provide seasonal interest in various garden settings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Bigroot Geranium, Rock Crane's-Bill, Balkan Cranesbill, Hardy Geranium.
Common names
Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album' is bigroot geranium. This plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant since it is not known to have any toxic effects when touched or ingested. However, individual sensitivity can vary, and it's always recommended to avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
Bigroot geranium is not documented to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning linked to this plant since it is considered non-toxic, and ingesting parts of this plant should not result in any serious consequences for pets. However, it is always best practice to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from consuming plants not intended for their consumption, as individual reactions may vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 12 inches (30-45 cm)
Spread
1 foot 18 inches (45-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Southeastern Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album', commonly known as Bigroot Geranium, is a hardy plant that adapts well to a variety of garden conditions.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, it can handle periods of dry weather, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Ground cover: With its spreading habit, it provides excellent ground coverage, helping to suppress weeds and stabilize soil.
- Attracts pollinators: Its flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects to the garden, promoting biodiversity.
- Aesthetic appeal: The plant offers white flowers and fragrant foliage, adding sensory appeal to garden spaces.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: The foliage is typically unappealing to deer and rabbits, which helps prevent damage to the plant and garden.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album' has been known to possess antimicrobial properties, which can help in inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
- Astringent: The plant's astringent qualities may be used for toning the skin and mucous membranes.
- Anti-inflammatory: It may contain compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing inflammation in certain conditions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ground cover for erosion control: Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album', commonly known as "Bevan's Variety" geranium, can be planted on slopes to prevent soil erosion due to its dense mat-forming habit.
- Natural insect repellent: The aromatic foliage of the plant can deter various insects when planted around seating areas or patios.
- Companion planting: Its strong scent can mask the odor of neighboring plants, making them less susceptible to pest attacks.
- Fragrance ingredient: The leaves of "Bevan's Variety" geranium can be included in potpourris or sachets for their pleasant, minty fragrance.
- Culinary use: Though not common, the leaves may be used in small amounts as a flavoring in culinary dishes, similar to how other scented geraniums are used.
- Decorative cut foliage: The leaves can be used in floral arrangements as a green accent due to their attractive shape and scent.
- Creative crafts: The foliage and flowers can be pressed and used in crafting for decoration in scrapbooks or handmade papers.
- Color addition to gardens: The white flowers of "Bevan's Variety" geranium can be used in moon gardens, where all plants have white blooms that glow in the moonlight.
- Landscape design: The plant can be used in rock gardens or alpine garden settings because of its low-growing nature and tolerance for dry conditions.
- Wildlife habitat: Offers a source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGeraniums are not commonly mentioned in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unity and True Friendship: Geraniums, in general, are known to represent the bonding of friends and the unity it brings among those who share a meaningful connection.
- Foresight and Ingenuity: The ability of geraniums to adapt to various conditions is often likened to the human traits of foresight and problem-solving, showcasing an individual's ability to triumph in adversity.
- Good Health: Historically, some geranium species have been used for their medicinal properties, which translates into a symbolic meaning of health and recovery.
- Happiness and Positive Emotions: The bright and colorful flowers of geraniums tend to be associated with cheerfulness and maintaining a positive outlook on life.
WaterThe Bigroot Geranium should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the growing season, this can equate to about 1 inch of water per week, which is roughly 0.6 gallons for an average-sized plant. Adjust the amount of water during extremely hot or dry periods, where it may need more frequent watering. Over winter or in cooler weather, reduce watering to every two weeks, especially if the plant is outdoors and receiving moisture from rain or snow.
LightBigroot Geranium thrives in partial shade to full sun. A location that provides morning sunlight with some afternoon shade is ideal. The plant can also tolerate full sun but may require more frequent watering in these conditions to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.
TemperatureThe Bigroot Geranium prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F but can tolerate a range from 50°F to 80°F. Extreme temperatures below 20°F or above 90°F can be harmful to the plant. They are generally hardy and can endure a light frost, but protection or moving the plant indoors during harsh winter conditions is advisable.
PruningThe Bigroot Geranium should be pruned to remove dead or damaged foliage, which can be done anytime throughout the year as needed. Pruning in late winter or early spring encourages healthy new growth and improves air circulation, which can reduce disease risk. Cutting back the plant after the first flush of blooms can also promote a second bloom period in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBigroot Geranium thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.8 to 7.0; an ideal mix consists of garden soil, compost, peat moss, and perlite to ensure good drainage and aeration.
RepottingBigroot Geranium is not typically grown in containers and therefore does not require regular repotting; it is most commonly grown in garden beds.
Humidity & MistingBigroot Geranium is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity; average room humidity is usually sufficient for this hardy plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light; ensure well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
In partial to full sun, plant in well-draining soil; mulch seasonally.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium macrorrhizum 'Album', commonly known as the White Balkan Cranesbill, begins its life as a seed, which requires a period of stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a clump-forming perennial with hairy, deeply lobed leaves. The plant enters a vegetative stage, developing a strong root system and foliage, and prepares for the reproductive phase. The White Balkan Cranesbill blooms in late spring to early summer, producing white flowers that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into beak-like seed capsules that, when mature, can catapult seeds away from the parent plant to ensure species dispersion. In winter, the plant may die back to the ground, but the rootstock survives and regrows the following spring, repeating the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Geranium macrorrhizum 'Album', commonly known as the Bigroot Geranium, is by division. The best time to divide the plants is in early spring or fall when the weather is cool. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system intact. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish the root system. This division method allows for quick and reliable propagation, creating new plants that are exact replicas of the parent.
