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Geranium macrorrhizum 'Ingwersen's Variety'
Ingwersen's Variety
Collected Montenegro; SE Europe (Balkans, S Alps, Carpathians)
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At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitSpreading
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Width24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
Maturity2 years
Overview
Geranium macrorrhizum 'Ingwersen's Variety' is a vigorous, spreading, semi-evergreen perennial reaching 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall with a spread of 24–36 inches (60–90 cm). This cultivar produces soft pale pink flowers—lighter than the species type but not as pale as 'Album.' The flowers are 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, soft shell-pink with slightly darker pink calyces, in clusters from May through June. The foliage is slightly glossier and paler green than the typical species. Named after Walter Ingwersen, who collected it from a wild population in Montenegro. All other characteristics match the species: thick fleshy rhizomes, aromatic sticky leaves, vivid fall color, and extreme adaptability to difficult conditions. Hardy to zone 3.
Native Range
Geranium macrorrhizum is native to southeastern Europe (Balkans, southern Alps, Carpathians). 'Ingwersen's Variety' was collected by Walter Ingwersen from wild populations in Montenegro.Suggested Uses
Planted as a ground cover at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The soft pale pink flowers create a gentler effect than the deeper-colored cultivars—suited to pastel planting schemes. Functions in all the same difficult conditions as the species. Not suitable for wet soils or small uncontained beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowers 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, soft shell-pink with slightly darker calyces, in clusters from May through June. Bloom duration is 4–6 weeks.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Soft shell-pink with slightly darker calycesFoliage Description
Pale green, slightly glossier than species, sticky-hairy, aromatic; vivid red-orange fall colorGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Same cultural requirements as the species. Full sun to full shade, any well-drained soil. Tolerates deep shade, dry shade, root competition. Hardy to zone 3.Pruning
Remove spent flower stems. Shear old foliage in early spring. Contain spread as needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons