About
Geranium psilostemon, the Armenian cranesbill, is a robust herbaceous perennial forming a large clump of lobed leaves that tint red in autumn. Vivid magenta-crimson flowers 4 cm wide with striking black centres are borne freely on upright stems to 1.2 m in summer. One of the most electrifying colour combinations in any perennial, and one of the finest border cranesbills.
About the genus
Geranium, the cranesbills, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous or evergreen perennials with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves and loose clusters of rounded, five-petalled flowers in white, pink, purple or blue. Among the most versatile and garden-worthy of all perennial genera.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toTurkey to Caucasus
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any, moderately fertile soil apart from waterlogged soils. Full sun or partial shade is best but shade is tolerated. Quite a tall species so may need support to prevent it flopping
PruningRemove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, sawflies, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews and a virus