cranesbill
Geranium macrorrhizum
Geraniaceae · perennial · introduced
Last updated
As of March 31, 2026, soil temperature at Kent / Auburn is 47.7°F. cranesbill, hardy to Zone Zones 4–8, is in early-season conditions in Zone 8b.
Bigroot cranesbill (Geranium macrorrhizum, Geraniaceae) is a perennial from the southeast Alps and Balkans, reaching about 1 foot tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. Purple-pink flowers bloom from May through July above aromatic foliage. The species spreads by thick surface rhizomes.
Bigroot cranesbill grows in sun to part shade with low to moderate water needs, hardy in Zones 4 to 8. It is resistant to rabbit and deer browse and tolerates drought, erosion, and dry soil. It attracts butterflies. Cultivars include 'Ingwersen's Variety' and 'Bevan's Variety.'