Geranium macrorrhizum 'Spessart' is a robust, semi-evergreen perennial that brings reliable colour and fragrance to gardens throughout the year. This hardy geranium cultivar is prized for its exceptional drought tolerance, aromatic foliage, and charming pale pink flowers that appear in late spring. Perfect for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants that deliver consistent performance in challenging conditions.
Flower colour: Soft pale pink to nearly white blooms
Flowering period: May to June, with occasional repeat flowering
Height: 30-40cm (12-16 inches)
Spread: 45-60cm (18-24 inches)
Foliage: Aromatic, deeply lobed leaves that turn stunning orange-red in autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy (RHS H7)
Flowers
'Spessart' produces delicate, five-petalled flowers in soft pink tones that fade to nearly white. The blooms are held in loose clusters above the foliage on sturdy stems during late spring and early summer. Each flower measures approximately 2.5cm across and features prominent stamens that add to their charm.
Foliage
The deeply divided, palmate leaves are one of this plant's greatest assets. Fresh green during the growing season, they release a distinctive spicy fragrance when brushed against or crushed. Come autumn, the foliage transforms into brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow before becoming semi-evergreen through winter.
Growth Habit
This geranium forms spreading clumps through thick, fleshy rhizomes that make it an excellent ground cover plant. The growth is vigorous but not invasive, creating attractive mounds of aromatic foliage.
Soil Requirements
Soil type: Well-drained soil of almost any type
pH: Tolerates a wide range from slightly acidic to alkaline
Drainage: Essential - will not tolerate waterlogged conditions
Fertility: Thrives in poor to moderately fertile soils
Position and Exposure
Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Best performance: Morning sun with afternoon shade in hot climates
Shelter: Tolerates exposed positions once established
Unsuitable locations: Heavy clay soils prone to waterlogging
Planting
Plant from spring to early autumn in well-prepared soil. Space plants 45-60cm apart to allow for their natural spread. Water in well after planting and provide occasional watering during the first growing season whilst establishing.
Maintenance
Watering: Drought tolerant once established; minimal watering required
Feeding: Generally unnecessary; excessive fertility can reduce flowering
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh foliage growth
Division: Divide every 3-4 years in spring or autumn to maintain vigour
Seasonal Care
Spring: Apply light mulch and remove any winter-damaged foliage
Summer: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming
Autumn: Leave attractive autumn foliage until it naturally dies back
Winter: Minimal care required; semi-evergreen foliage provides winter interest
Design Applications
Ground cover: Excellent for covering large areas under trees or shrubs
Rock gardens: Perfect for cascading over walls and rocky slopes
Mixed borders: Valuable for front-of-border plantings
Woodland gardens: Ideal for naturalising in dappled shade
Mediterranean gardens: Suits drought-tolerant planting schemes
Companion Plants
Pairs beautifully with other drought-tolerant perennials such as lavender, catmint (Nepeta), ornamental grasses, and spring bulbs. The aromatic foliage complements herbs like rosemary and thyme in sensory gardens.
Wildlife Value
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators during the flowering season. The dense growth provides shelter for small garden wildlife, whilst the aromatic foliage naturally deters many pest insects.
Practical Benefits
Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established
Drought tolerant: Perfect for water-wise gardening
Pest resistant: Aromatic oils naturally deter many garden pests
Long-lived: Will provide years of reliable garden performance
Weed suppressing: Dense growth helps prevent weed establishment
For best results, plant 'Spessart' in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. This geranium actually performs better in poorer soils than in rich, fertile conditions. If planted in very fertile soil, it may produce lots of foliage at the expense of flowers. The aromatic foliage can be harvested and dried for use in potpourri or herb sachets.
Geranium macrorrhizum 'Spessart' is an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking a reliable, low-maintenance perennial that offers year-round interest. Its combination of attractive flowers, aromatic foliage, autumn colour, and exceptional drought tolerance makes it invaluable for modern gardens, particularly those following sustainable gardening practices.
Buying Perennials from Jacksons Nurseries
At Jacksons Nurseries we lightly trim back our perennials after flowering and trim them back at the end of the season to ensure that the plants remain neat and tidy whilst in the pot. The more tender the plant the less we cut back to help protect exposed stems from winter frost. Depending on the plant variety we will then prune back further in spring once the risk of the more severe frosts is over.
As a result, depending on the time of year you buy perennials, they may not look like images showing their ‘prime time’ in flower and looking at their best.
From late autumn onwards and dependent on variety, there may be very little visible above the soil except for a few cut back dormant leaves or stems. It is perfectly normal for dormant plants to look like this from autumn onwards, they will however burst back into life in spring.
Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.
Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email sales@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.
Perennials are described and classified differently by different gardeners but all would agree that they are plants that come into flower every year from early spring to late summer, the exact time dependent on variety and most die back to ground level in autumn and winter.
As for all plants, soil preparation is time well spent. Dig over the area to be planted ensuring that the ground is free draining. If not then you may wish to either consider planting in a different spot or raising the level of the planting area by adding additional topsoil, well rotted garden compost and/or well rotted manure. Add ‘Fish, Blood and Bone’ fertiliser or a high potash fertiliser to encourage good root growth and development.
It’s always a good idea to plant a few of the same plant together, we recommend planting in 3’s or 5’s to provide a bold effect but allowing them plenty of room to develop.
Always check eventual plant heights when planning borders to ensure that the taller plants are at the back (or at the centre of an island bed) followed by the medium and then smaller low growing plants.
Remember to deadhead perennials after flowering, trim back lightly in autumn as required to tidy the border and if necessary trim again in spring once the risk of heavy frost has passed.
If perennials get too big, start to flower less and less or if it seems to be dying off from the centre, consider dividing the plant but always check that the particular variety is happy to be divided and that you divide at the right time of year for the plant.
By using this simple guide and a little time, perennials can make an absolutely spectacular difference to your garden.
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