Geranium robertianum

Common Names

Herb Robert, Red Robin, Stinking Bob, Storksbill, Fox Geranium, Robert Geranium, Roberts Geranium, Robert's Geranium

Summary

Herb Robert is an annual or biennial crane's-bill native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, forming a delicate, low-growing to sprawling plant up to 40 cm tall with deeply dissected fern-like leaves that can turn red in bright light, red stems, and small pink flowers, while crushed foliage emits a pungent odor.

It tolerates sun to shade and a wide range of soils from moist forest floors to dry rocky sites, and self-seeds readily with seeds ejected up to 20 ft and viable for up to 5 years; cultivation and management rely on removing plants before flowering to prevent seed spread, manual removal is effective, and disposal should avoid composting seeds, often implemented through IPM; historically it has been used in folk medicine, and flowers attract pollinators.

Lifecycle

Biennial (usually); sometimes annual or short-lived perennial.

Height

2-24 inches

Spread

1-2 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade; full sun or full shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining, moderately fertile soil, pH 6.0–7.0

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Spring through Fall

Foliage Color

Green, with reddish tinges or turning red in bright sun or autumn.

Fall Foliage Color

Red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Rapid growth; highly aggressive and quick to spread.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds