Geranium macrorrhizum

Geranium macrorrhizum Ingwersens Variety

This is a rhizomatous species Geranium (ht 30 cm) from southern Europe that is one of the easiest to grow in Sydney. It forms a good, dense groundcover mat, up to 30-45 cm across, of aromatic, rounded leaves and simple, pretty flowers in spring. The basic species has magenta flowers but there are cultivars in colours of white, purplish and pinks. It will grow well in part to heavy shade (even quite dry shade) or sun, though flowering will be reduced somewhat in heavy shade. It doesn't need any special treatment to do well. It appreciates occasional watering and fertilising in late winter. The leaves sometimes take on autumnal tints. If the foliage becomes scruffy, it can be sheared off and it will regrow fresh leaves. To propagate the plant, detach pieces of the rhizomes and pot up or plant directly into the ground. It is sometimes known colloquially as bigroot geranium.

One favourite cultivar is 'Ingwersen's Variety' (pictured above), with soft pale pink flowers. Others include 'Album' (white) and 'Bevan's Variety' (crimson-purple).