Karmina Cranesbill
Karmina Cranesbill
A Low, Aromatic Groundcover That Carpets Sun or Shade
Karmina Cranesbill (Geranium × cantabrigiense 'Karmina') is a tidy, low-spreading groundcover that thrives in sun or part shade. Masses of rich rose-pink flowers cover the glossy, aromatic foliage in early summer, and the leaves turn fiery red in autumn before holding through winter as a semi-evergreen mat. Tough, deer-resistant, and drought-tolerant once established, it's an easy carpet for edging and slopes in Eagan, Minnetonka, and Apple Valley.
Karmina Cranesbill Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Geranium × cantabrigiense 'Karmina' |
| Mature Size | 6–10 in. tall, 18–24 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 4–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Bloom Time | Late spring into early summer |
| Flower Color | Rose-pink (carmine) |
| Soil | Adaptable — tolerates Minnesota clay-loam and average drainage |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to about -25°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed — aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits |
| Fall Color | Brilliant red foliage |
Landscape Uses
Low groundcover and edging: Its dense, low habit makes a clean edge and a weed-suppressing carpet in sun or shade. Space 16–18 inches apart.
Deer-resistant slopes: The aromatic leaves keep browsers away while the spreading mat holds soil. Pair with hostas, catmint, and ornamental grasses.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September). Water through the first season; it grows tougher and more drought-tolerant each year.
How to Plant Karmina Cranesbill
Dig a hole twice the pot's width at the same depth, loosening clay and mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2 inches deep. Space 16–18 inches apart for full coverage.
Watering Karmina Cranesbill
First year: Water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Drought-tolerant — water only during extended dry spells.
Q: Sun or shade?
Both — Karmina is unusually adaptable, flowering well in full sun and tolerating part shade.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — the aromatic foliage is strongly disliked by deer and rabbits.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 4, semi-evergreen, and needs no winter protection.
Q: How is it different from Biokovo?
Karmina has deeper rose-pink flowers; Biokovo is white blushed with pink. Both are excellent low groundcovers.
You May Also Like
Biokovo Cranesbill (Geranium cantabrigiense): The white-pink sister selection for a softer look.
Bevan's Variety Cranesbill (Geranium macrorrhizum): A taller aromatic geranium for dry shade.
Catmint (Nepeta): A deer-resistant blue partner for sunny edges.
How Many Karmina Cranesbill Do I Need?
Space plants 16–18 inches apart for a weed-suppressing carpet. At about 17 inches:
| Run Length | Plants Needed |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | 7 plants |
| 20 ft | 14 plants |
| 30 ft | 21 plants |
| 40 ft | 28 plants |
Karmina Cranesbill Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Glossy aromatic foliage greens up and forms a dense low mat.
- Summer: Masses of rich rose-pink flowers cover the foliage in late spring into early summer.
- Fall: Leaves turn fiery red, lighting up the front of the bed.
- Winter: Semi-evergreen — the mat holds through winter, returning quickly each spring.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant ✔ Four-Season Interest
Plant It With
- Biokovo Cranesbill — white-blushed-pink sister selection for a softer carpet.
- Bevan's Variety Cranesbill — a taller aromatic geranium for dry shade nearby.
- Johnson's Blue Cranesbill — lavender-blue blooms above this low rose-pink mat.
- Rozanne Cranesbill — long-blooming violet-blue geranium for extended color.
Is Karmina Cranesbill Right for Your Yard?
Karmina Cranesbill thrives in full sun to part shade in average, well-drained soil — an easy aromatic groundcover for edging and slopes. Not a fit for constantly soggy ground, where the crown can rot.