Botanical name:

Geranium brevicaule

Common name(s): 

About:

A compact and robust species, typically growing to about 15 cm tall, features small rounded leaves that are deeply lobed and exhibit varying shades of green, adding to its visual appeal. In the summer months, it produces tiny, dainty white flowers that further enhance its charm. This adaptable plant can be found throughout the country, thriving in a diverse range of habitats that extend from sea level all the way up to elevations of 1200 m. It can be successfully cultivated in a well-drained location within a rock garden, appreciating either full sun or light shade, and it also serves as an excellent choice for container gardening, providing beauty and interest wherever it is placed.

Natural habitat: 

Coastal to subalpine (0-1200m). In open ground such as short or tall tussock grassland, frost flats, clay pans, freshly deposited alluvium or on rock outcrops.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Salt, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North, South and Stewart Islands. In the North Island only present south of Auckland. Common elsewhere in NZ. Also present in Australia in the south-east and Tasmania

Height: 15cm

Flowering:  

Throughout the year with a pinkish red, white coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

Throughout the year

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed. Various colour morphs have a genetic basis. With careful selection some attractive forms could be marketed. Excellent pot plant. Ideal for dry, well drained, sunny locations.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.