• Geranium psilostemon

  Armenian Cranesbill, Cranesbill

   

  
  From Armenia comes this spectacular plant for the border, where in full sun it will form large clumps, with heart-shaped, five-lobed leaves, and bearing in summer gorgeous, vivid magenta flowers, each 1½ins across, with a contrasting black central spot. Hardy throughout the British Isles. 3ft (90cm)

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• Other common namesArmenian cranesbill

• SynonymsGeranium armenum

• FamilyGeraniaceae

• GenusGeranium can be annuals, biennials and perennials, herbaceous or evergreen, with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves, and lax inflorescences of rounded, 5-petalled flowers

• DetailsG. psilostemon is an herbaceous perennial forming a large clump of lobed leaves, tinted red in autumn. Flowers 4cm in width, magenta-crimson with black centres, on upright stems.

• Genus: Geranium
• Species: psilostemon
• Family Name: Geraniaceae
• English Name(s): Armenian Cranesbill, Cranesbill
• Hardiness: Hardy
• Lifecycle: Perennial
• Type: Creeping/ Matt Forming
• Colour: Purple/Lavender
• Lighting Conditions: Full Sun, Partial Sun, Full Shade
• Soil Type: Clay, Chalk, Sand, Loam
• Soil Acidity: Alkaline, Neutral, Acid
• Moisture: Well-drained

Germination Instructions

Sow indoors. Surface sow 2cm apart onto moist well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a fine layer of soil mixed with coarse grit. Keep the soil moist not wet. Ideal temp. 5-10°C. Germination takes 30-90 days. Prick out seedlings carefully as soon as they has 2 true leaves and move to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed. If you have seeds which have not emerged by autumn leave the seed tray outside where winter cold should offer the natural conditions required for germination the following spring.

Growing Instructions

Prefers any moderately fertile soil which is moist but well-drained. It will not tolerate a waterlogged soil. Full or part sun preferred but shade will be tolerated. Quite a tall variety so may need staking.

Cultivation Instructions

Remove faded flower stems and old leaves to extend the flowering window and to encourage new leaf growth. Propagate by division in spring.

When to Sow (indoors): February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November

Suitable for the Garden, vegetable garden, allotments, borders and containers. 

Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.