How big does Bigroot geranium grow?

About 40 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–50 cm × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Bigroot geranium grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, calcareous, clay, sandy.

Is Bigroot geranium hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Bigroot geranium flower?

Flowering: May–August, pink, purple, white.

How much water does Bigroot geranium need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Bigroot geranium cost?

It sells for roughly €2.90 to €5.90 in local shops, depending on size.

Bigroot geranium

Geranium macrorrhizum

Bigroot geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum) is a ground cover plant that reaches 40 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €2.90.

Illustration of Bigroot geranium — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A perennial that slowly spreads on thick rhizomes into a dense, weed-smothering carpet; its soft, lobed leaves are strongly aromatic when rubbed and turn red in autumn. Pink, magenta or white flowers open above the foliage in late spring and early summer. One of the best ground covers under trees and shrubs, even in dry shade, and it needs hardly any care; it only resents waterlogged soil and appreciates watering in blazing sun.

Watch out for

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.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 40 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–August, pink, purple, white

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	40 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	30–50 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Calcareous, Clay, Sandy
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	May–August, pink, purple, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €2.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €2.90 – €5.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Rock garden plants Fragrant plants Plants with autumn colour

Compare with similar plants

Bigroot geranium vs Cambridge cranesbill

Looks good next to it

Blue holly

Ilex × meserveae

Lenten rose

Helleborus orientalis

Oregon grape

Mahonia aquifolium