Geranium psilostemon (Armenian cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium psilostemon is a mound-forming or spreading perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic foliage. Geranium psilostemon grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and ground cover. It is native to Turkey to Caucasus.

About

Geranium psilostemon is a perennial geranium that forms a mound-forming or spreading clump and flowers from June to September. Its rounded, palmately lobed leaves may be deciduous or semi-evergreen and are often aromatic. It grows in full sun to partial shade on almost any reasonable soil and carries an H5–H7 hardiness rating.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium psilostemon

About the genus

Geranium is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums, hardy geraniums, or cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, with the greatest diversity in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region.

Wikipedia contributors, "Geranium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium

In the garden

Geranium psilostemon, commonly called Armenian cranesbill, is a perennial in the Geraniaceae native to Turkey to the Caucasus. It establishes as a mound-forming or spreading plant with rounded, palmately lobed foliage that can be deciduous or semi-evergreen, and it produces blooms through the summer into early autumn (June to September). Plant it in full sun to partial shade; it tolerates almost any reasonable soil type — loam, chalk, sand or clay — and a range of pH from acid to alkaline. Soils should be well drained but not parched. Aspect is flexible and the species will perform in exposed or sheltered sites. With an H5–H7 rating it ranges from hardy to fully hardy for UK conditions, so it will survive typical winter exposure across most regions. Use Armenian cranesbill in borders, rock gardens or as a ground cover where a spreading, mound-forming perennial is wanted. Its seasonal leaf habit and summer flowering habit make it a useful foil for taller shrubs and perennials; place it at the front or middle of a border so its mound and lobed leaves provide a steady textural contrast through the summer.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained but not parched
Aspect: Any
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5–H7

Plant details

Geranium psilostemon size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, ground cover
Native to: Turkey to Caucasus

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium psilostemon

Cultivation: Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.
Pruning: Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.
Propagation: Divide in spring or autumn. Many species self-seed freely, and basal cuttings suit cultivars that resent disturbance.
Pest resistance: Largely untroubled, though vine weevil grubs attack the roots of container plants and sawfly larvae occasionally strip leaves.
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew and rust may appear on congested plants in a dry summer; shearing back usually resolves both.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium psilostemon?

Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.

Where is the best place to plant Geranium psilostemon?

Geranium psilostemon prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium psilostemon need?

Geranium psilostemon is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk and sand or clay. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained but not parched.

How do I prune Geranium psilostemon?

Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.