Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill
Geranium x cantabrigiense
Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill (Geranium x cantabrigiense) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Tough fragrant hardy geranium, pink blooms over aromatic foliage. Red fall color.
On the CSU listlow to medium water6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Geranium x cantabrigiense
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Biokovo', 'Karmina'
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
- Growth habit
- Spreading
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Winter cover
- Partial winter cover
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Fall color
- Red, orange
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- pink, white
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Pollinator value
- moderate
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Using Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill as a groundcover
Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill spreads steadily. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply 1×/week first summer to establish. After establishment, water 1–2×/month during dry stretches.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill get?
- It matures to about 6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill?
- Space Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill hardy on the Front Range?
- Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- What color does Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill turn in fall?
- Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill turns red and orange in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill deer-resistant?
- Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill a good firewise plant near the house?
- Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill?
- Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Can Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill replace a lawn?
- Yes, Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill spread or stay put?
- Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill is spreading. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill stay green in winter?
- Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill keeps partial cover through Front Range winters.
- How long does Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill bloom?
- Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbill blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
