Bigroot geranium vs Cambridge cranesbill

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.

Bigroot geranium

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…

Ground cover

Full sun

Part shade

Shade

from about PLN 15

Cambridge cranesbill

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…

Ground cover

Full sun

Part shade

Shade

from about PLN 13

Key differences

Bigroot geranium grows larger: 40 cm × 60 cm after ten years, against 25 cm × 60 cm for Cambridge cranesbill.
Bigroot geranium tolerates drought better than Cambridge cranesbill.

Which one to choose?

Bigroot geranium is the better choice if you cannot water regularly.

Cambridge cranesbill is the better choice if space is tight.

Watch out for

Bigroot geranium

It is rarely troubled. In the hot summers of Central Europe the foliage can yellow and scorch in blazing midday sun without watering, so it looks better with afternoon shade. Leaf spot, grey mould or powdery mildew can appear in damp, airless spots but are seldom serious. It spreads by rhizomes and by seed; pieces that wander too far are easy to pull out.

Cambridge cranesbill

It has few problems. In hot, dry summers the foliage can look tired and brown after flowering: shear it back and water, and it soon regrows. Leaf spot or rust may appear in humid weather, and vine weevil larvae sometimes eat the roots. It dies out in waterlogged soil.

The data side by side

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 (uncertain)
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)
Heat tolerance	Medium (uncertain)	Medium (uncertain)
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. PLN 15	approx. PLN 13

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 17, 2026

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