Bevan's Variety Cranesbill
Bevan's Variety Cranesbill
The Dry-Shade Groundcover That Solves Minnesota's Toughest Spots
Bevan's Variety Cranesbill (Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety') is the answer for that dry, shady ground under mature oaks and maples where nothing else will grow. This bigroot geranium spreads into a weed-smothering carpet of aromatic, semi-evergreen leaves topped with vivid magenta-crimson flowers in late spring. It handles drought, deep root competition, and deer with ease — a true problem-solver for shaded slopes and foundation beds in Woodbury, St. Paul, and Maple Grove.
Bevan's Variety Cranesbill Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety' |
| Mature Size | 10–15 in. tall, 18–24 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Part shade to full shade; tolerates morning sun |
| Bloom Time | Late spring into early summer |
| Flower Color | Magenta-crimson |
| Soil | Adaptable — thrives in dry shade and clay-loam under trees |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to -30°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed — aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits |
| Foliage | Aromatic, semi-evergreen; red-bronze fall tints |
Landscape Uses
Dry-shade groundcover: Few plants tolerate the dry shade beneath established trees — this one thrives there, knitting into a dense weed-blocking mat. Space 18 inches apart.
Slopes and foundation beds: The spreading roots help hold soil on shaded banks, and the aromatic leaves keep deer and rabbits away. Pair with hostas, ferns, and barrenwort.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September). Once rooted, it's remarkably drought-tolerant, but water it through the first season to get established.
How to Plant Bevan's Variety Cranesbill
Dig a hole twice the pot's width at the same depth. In dry shade, mix in compost to help young roots establish. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2 inches deep. Space 18 inches apart for a continuous groundcover.
Watering Bevan's Variety Cranesbill
First year: Water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly — dry shade dries out fast under tree roots. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: One of the most drought-tolerant shade groundcovers — water only during extended dry spells.
Q: Will it grow in dry shade under trees?
Yes — that's its specialty. It outcompetes tree roots better than almost any other perennial groundcover.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Very — the aromatic foliage is strongly disliked by deer and rabbits.
Q: Does it stay green in winter?
It's semi-evergreen, holding much of its aromatic foliage and taking on red-bronze tints in cold weather.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Easily — hardy to zone 3, no winter protection needed.
You May Also Like
Karmina Cranesbill (Geranium cantabrigiense): A lower, rose-pink groundcover geranium for part shade.
Hosta: A classic shade companion with bold foliage contrast.
Barrenwort (Epimedium): Another tough dry-shade groundcover for under trees.
How Many Bevan's Variety Cranesbill Do I Need?
At 18 in. spacing each plant fills roughly 2 sq ft of dry shade, so use this guide to carpet a bank or bed:
| Area to Cover | Plants Needed (≈18 in. apart) |
|---|---|
| 25 sq ft | 11 |
| 50 sq ft | 22 |
| 100 sq ft | 44 |
| 200 sq ft | 89 |
For a quick start on a small problem spot, a cluster of 3–5 plants knits together in two seasons.
Bevan's Variety Cranesbill Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Aromatic green foliage fills in fast, followed by vivid magenta-crimson flowers in late spring.
- Summer: Bloom finishes into early summer; the dense leaf carpet smothers weeds and shrugs off drought under tree roots.
- Fall: Foliage takes on red-bronze tints as nights cool.
- Winter: Semi-evergreen leaves persist under snow, holding the bank through the cold months.
At a Glance
✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Shade-Tolerant ✔ Drought-Tolerant ✔ Pollinator-Friendly
Plant It With
- Karmina Cranesbill — a lower rose-pink sister geranium for the same dry shade.
- Biokovo Cranesbill — white-pink, red-fall groundcover that handles more sun at the bed's edge.
- Alexandria Brunnera — silver leaves and blue spring flowers for contrast under trees.
- Lady Fern — airy fronds rise above the geranium carpet in the same shaded soil.
Is Bevan's Variety Cranesbill Right for Your Yard?
This is the groundcover for dry, root-filled shade under oaks and maples, for shaded slopes that need erosion control, and for deer-pressured suburbs — the aromatic foliage keeps browsers off. Not a fit if the spot stays wet: in soggy, poorly drained soil the crown is prone to rot, so save it for the dry-to-average ground where it shines.