Geranium robertianum, commonly known as Herb Robert or Robert's geranium, is native to Asia but has become invasive in many regions around the world, including Canada. This is primarily due to its high adaptability, reproductive capability, and ability to outcompete local species.

High adaptability: Robert's geranium is a very adaptable species that can tolerate a wide range of habitats. It can grow in both shady and sunny conditions, moist or dry soil, and a range of soil types, from nutrient-poor to nutrient-rich. It is commonly found in forest understories, but it can also inhabit disturbed areas like roadsides, pastures, gardens, and even walls.

Reproductive capacity: Robert's geranium has a prolific reproductive system. It reproduces both sexually via seeds and asexually through vegetative growth. A single plant can produce thousands of seeds, which are explosively dehisced (dispersed), scattering them over a large area.

Outcompeting native species: Once established, Robert's geranium grows quickly and forms dense carpets of vegetation that can outcompete native plants for light, nutrients, and space. Its rapid growth and dense canopy can inhibit the growth of other plants and reduce the biodiversity of the invaded ecosystem.

Resilience to disturbance: Robert's geranium is very resilient to disturbances. It can readily colonize disturbed areas and can rapidly recover from events like fire or mowing due to its large seed bank and ability to regrow from fragments.

Human-mediated dispersal: Human activities often inadvertently aid the spread of invasive species. Robert's geranium can hitch a ride on clothing, shoes, vehicles, or gardening tools, which helps it colonize new areas. These factors combine to make Robert's geranium a highly invasive species in Canada. Therefore, managing its spread is important to protect biodiversity and maintain ecosystem health.

The Invasive Nature of Robert's geranium

Robert's geranium, with its small, pink, five-petaled flowers and characteristic red-stemmed leaves, might look innocuous, even charming, but beneath this appearance lies a remarkable capacity for rapid colonization and competition. This species is highly adaptable, thriving in a range of habitats from sunny to shaded, and damp to dry soil conditions. Its natural habitat includes forest understories, but it easily acclimates to disturbed areas such as roadsides, fields, gardens, and even building walls.

Its reproductive capacity is formidable. Robert's geranium reproduces both sexually through seeds and asexually through vegetative growth. A single Robert's geranium plant can produce thousands of seeds, which are explosively dispersed over a broad area. These seeds have a long-lasting viability, persisting in the soil for years, hence ensuring the plant's resurgence even after apparent removal.

Once established, Robert's geranium grows quickly, forming dense mats of vegetation. It outcompetes native plants for light, nutrients, and space. Its rapid growth and dense foliage can hinder the growth of other plants and significantly decrease the biodiversity of the invaded ecosystems.

Robert's geranium in Victoria: A Growing Concern

Robert's geranium resilience and competitive nature make it particularly problematic in Victoria, where it is increasingly dominating our local parks and gardens. Our temperate climate and diverse habitats provide an ideal setting for this invasive species to establish and proliferate. Moreover, human activities in Victoria, whether intentional planting in gardens or accidental seed transportation on clothing, shoes, and gardening equipment, are inadvertently promoting its spread.

The unchecked growth of Robert's geranium in Victoria threatens the natural biodiversity, impacting native plants and the fauna that rely on them. This shift can disrupt food chains, degrade habitats, and even lead to the extinction of vulnerable local species.

The Urgency of Eradicating Robert's geranium

Removing Robert's geranium from Victoria's landscapes is crucial to preserve our local biodiversity and maintain ecosystem health. Effective control methods include hand-pulling and digging out the plants before they set seed, ensuring all roots are removed to prevent regrowth. Mowing or cutting is generally ineffective, as it can stimulate more vigorous growth.

When necessary, we employ eco-friendly treatments to eradicate Robert's geranium.

Educating the public about the risks of Robert's geranium and the importance of not planting it in their gardens is another crucial step. Encouraging gardeners to choose native plants instead can play a significant role in limiting the spread of this invasive species.

Every one of us plays a crucial role in the fight against invasive species. By remaining vigilant, reporting sightings of Robert's geranium, and actively participating in its removal, we can help protect Victoria's unique and beautiful ecosystems. Our collective effort today will contribute to preserving Victoria's biodiversity for the generations to come.

Robert's geranium removal cost

Contact us for a free in-person quote in Victoria, BC and Jake will provide an exact work order and quote.

Won’t the Robert's geranium just grow back?

In the worst infestations, up to 2 follow up visits may be necessary to completely eradicate re-growth. Most Robert's geranium patches we service are completely and permanently removed in one visit.

Expert Help:

Contact us for a free quote in Victoria, BC, we care intensely about the success of each project.