Bigroot geranium and Cambridge cranesbill are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, flowers, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Geranium macrorrhizum 40 cm × 60 cm after 10 years
A perennial that slowly spreads on thick rhizomes into a dense, weed-smothering carpet; its soft, lobed leaves are strongly aromatic when rubbed and…
Geranium × cantabrigiense 25 cm × 60 cm after 10 years
A low cranesbill that knits into a dense carpet of glossy leaves, spicily aromatic when rubbed, with pink or white flowers from late spring to…
Bigroot geranium grows larger: 40 cm × 60 cm after ten years, against 25 cm × 60 cm for Cambridge cranesbill.
Bigroot geranium is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -29 °C for Cambridge cranesbill.
Bigroot geranium tolerates drought better than Cambridge cranesbill.
|
Feature
|
Bigroot geranium
|
Cambridge cranesbill
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ground cover | Ground cover |
| Size after 10 years | 40 cm × 60 cm | 25 cm × 60 cm |
| Ultimate size | 30–50 cm × 30–60 cm | 15–30 cm × 30–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Fast | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Calcareous, Clay, Sandy | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Semi-evergreen | Semi-evergreen |
| Flowering | May–August, pink, purple, white | May–August, pink, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 35 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €4.80 | approx. €4.70 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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