Musk Geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum)
Musk Geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum), Hardy, early summer-flowering perennialDescription: Bears a profusion of magenta flowers with prominent deep-pink stamens; leaves are deeply cut and fragrant Habit: Grows up to 1 A 1/2 feet high and up to 2 feet wide; spreads by thick rhizomes, making it a good ground cover Culture: Prefers full sun to part shade, and well-drained average garden soil; drought-tolerant Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 through 8 Origin: Europe Attributes: Attracts butterflies, Fragrant foliage, Fall color, Ground cover, Deer resistant, Drought tolerantA European native, Geranium macrorrhizum can be used to scent perfumes and potpourris. In Bulgaria, musk geranium oil is called zdravetz oil, and is sometimes used in perfumery. The scientific name comes from the Greek for crane, geranos, referring to the crane-shaped seed heads, while macrorrhizum translates to big root. Musk Geranium has been cultivated in gardens since at least 1658, when it was grown in the Oxford Botanic Garden in England.Arrives in a 1 quart pot.