Little Robin
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(Geranium purpureum)
Little Robin (Geranium purpureum)
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carnifex
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
carnifex
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: carnifex | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: carnifex | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-04-26T11:08:36-07:00 |
Summary
Geranium purpureum, commonly known as Little Robin, is a perennial herb native to grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands across Europe, North Africa to the Caucasus. It is a low-growing plant, typically reaching up to 15 cm in height, with a sprawling habit that can cover ground effectively. The leaves are deeply lobed, and the plant produces small, purplish-pink flowers with five petals that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are modest in size but can add a delicate charm to garden settings.
Little Robin is valued for its ability to fill in gaps in garden borders and rockeries, providing a soft mat of foliage and flowers. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. It thrives in well-drained soil, prefers full sun to partial shade, and needs moderate watering. While not widely known for its culinary or medicinal uses, it can be a nectar source for pollinators. Gardeners should be cautious, as Geranium purpureum can spread aggressively and may become invasive outside its native range, outcompeting local flora.CC BY-SA 4.0
Little Robin is valued for its ability to fill in gaps in garden borders and rockeries, providing a soft mat of foliage and flowers. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. It thrives in well-drained soil, prefers full sun to partial shade, and needs moderate watering. While not widely known for its culinary or medicinal uses, it can be a nectar source for pollinators. Gardeners should be cautious, as Geranium purpureum can spread aggressively and may become invasive outside its native range, outcompeting local flora.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate, Slow
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Lesser Herb Robert, Pencilled Crane’s-bill
Scientific Names: Geranium purpureum, ? liosepalum, Geranium eginense, Geranium eginense, Geranium elamellatum, Geranium intricatum, Geranium intricatum, Geranium lebelii, Geranium mediterraneum, Geranium minutiflorum
GBIF Accepted Name: Geranium purpureum