One of the lower-growing cranesbills, Geranium × antipodeum ‘Pink Spice’ is a reliable and attractive ground cover that fits neatly into a range of garden styles.
It’s particularly well suited to rockeries, edging, and planting between roses, where it can spread gently without becoming invasive.
Flowers and Foliage
‘Pink Spice’ is as much about the foliage as it is the flowers.
The leaves range from chocolate brown through to grey-green, often with a soft, muted tone that contrasts nicely with surrounding plants. The flowers are a delicate pink, lightly fragrant, and appear over an extended period from early summer through to autumn.
Like many geraniums, it’s a magnet for bees and other beneficial insects when in bloom.
Growth Habit and Size
This is a compact, spreading perennial that forms a low mat over time.
- Height – Around 20 cm
- Spread – Up to 60 cm
Its tidy growth habit makes it ideal for filling gaps, softening edges, or acting as a living mulch in sunny borders.
Growing Conditions and Care
Tough and adaptable, ‘Pink Spice’ is well suited to those tricky dry, sunny spots where other plants may struggle.
Soil
Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil, though it will tolerate poorer conditions once established.
Light
Full sun to part shade. Best flowering occurs with plenty of sunlight.
Watering
Water regularly while establishing. Once established, it becomes relatively drought tolerant.
Planting
Autumn planting works well, allowing roots to establish before the heat of summer.
Feeding
Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth and flowering.
Mulching
Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and maintain a cool root zone.
Garden Uses
Geranium ‘Pink Spice’ is a versatile addition to the garden and works well in:
- Rock gardens
- Cottage-style borders
- Underplanting roses
- Edging pathways
- Dry, sunny positions
Its spreading habit and low maintenance nature make it especially useful as a ground cover in informal plantings.
Origin
This is a hybrid variety originating from New Zealand, bred for its compact habit, attractive foliage, and long flowering period.
Quick Reference
Botanical Name – Geranium × antipodeum ‘Pink Spice’
Common Name – Geranium ‘Pink Spice’
Height – 20 cm
Spread – Up to 60 cm
Position – Full sun to part shade
Soil – Well-drained, humus-rich
Water Requirements – Low once established
Frost Tolerant – Yes
Flowers – Pink, lightly fragrant
Flowering Time – Early summer to autumn
Foliage – Chocolate brown to grey-green, scalloped
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