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Herb Robert
Geranium robertianum · Geraniaceae
📷 Didier Descouens · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant herb robert: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, finely cut and aromatic
- Flowering
- Spring to autumn (April to October)
- Flowers
- Small pink flowers with red veins
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy (–15 °C)
- Origin
- Europe and Mediterranean basin
- Soil type
- Well-draining, chalky or neutral
Care
Watering
Water moderately during the growing period, keeping the soil moist but never waterlogged. In winter, drastically reduce watering. This plant tolerates temporary drought well and prefers slightly dry soil.
Light exposure
Place herb Robert in full sun or partial shade. It adapts to various light conditions, but flowers more generously in sunny spots. It also grows well in partially shaded areas.
Soil
Plant in well-draining, chalky or neutral soil. Herb Robert thrives in poor and rocky terrain. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils that would promote rot.
Pruning and cleanup
Pinch stems in spring to encourage a bushy form. Remove dried or damaged parts. In late autumn, cut the plant back to ground level if it becomes woody or too invasive.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is not essential. If you wish to stimulate flowering, a light application in spring is sufficient. Overly rich soils may reduce flowering in favour of foliage.
Diseases and pests
Herb Robert is very robust and rarely subject to diseases. Occasionally watch for powdery mildew in overly humid conditions. Good air circulation and watering at the base prevent most fungal problems.
Did you know?
The name "Herb Robert" (Geranium robertianum) comes from Saint Robert, to whom healing powers were once attributed. Its highly aromatic foliage releases a characteristic scent when crushed, and its ability to colonize walls and inhospitable terrain made it a plant once respected in cottage gardens for its exceptional resilience.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Meadow geraniumGeranium pratense
- Bloody Crane's-billGeranium sanguineum
- Rock crane's-billGeranium macrorrhizum
- French crane's-billGeranium endressii
- Purple-vein geraniumGeranium wallichianum
- Himalayan crane's-billGeranium himalayense
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.