Geranium reptans
Care, watering, light and tips for Geranium reptans on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Geraniaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Geranium reptans
Geranium reptans, commonly known as San Pedro, is a perennial herbaceous plant with a creeping and ground-covering habit, ideal for groundcover or rockeries. Its small, rounded leaves and pink or mauve flowers, appearing in spring and summer, create a very attractive carpet effect. It's perfect for low-maintenance gardens, borders, and hanging baskets where its stems can trail gracefully.
Native range
Southern Europe, particularly in the Balkans and the southeastern Alps.
Care tips
It prefers semi-shaded locations, especially in warm climates, although it tolerates some direct sun if the soil is kept moist. Watering should be moderate, allowing the top layer of the substrate to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging. It thrives in well-drained soils rich in organic matter. A common mistake is planting it in heavy, poorly drained soils, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Geranium reptans
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing leaves, black, mushy stems, no flowering.
- First aid
- Remove affected parts, check drainage, reduce watering, move to partial shade.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage, leading to root rot.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot isn't too advanced and you act quickly.