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

Overview

Geranium psilostemon 'Bressingham Flair' 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 'Bressingham Flair' 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, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russian Federation.

About

Geranium psilostemon 'Bressingham Flair' is a mound-forming perennial in the Geraniaceae, prized for its reddish-purple flowers with darker centres and a long summer display from June to September. Leaves are rounded and palmately lobed, deciduous or semi-evergreen, and often aromatic when touched. It tolerates full sun to partial shade and will grow in almost any reasonable soil provided it is well drained but not parched. Suitable uses include borders, rock gardens and as a ground cover.

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 'Bressingham Flair' is a perennial cranesbill native to Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and parts of the Russian Federation. Its summer flowering runs from June to September and the blooms show a reddish-purple tone with darker centres, providing continuous colour through the warmer months. The foliage is rounded and palmately lobed and can be either deciduous or semi-evergreen depending on site and winter severity. Plant this cranesbill in full sun to partial shade. It accepts almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay — and tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH; the key is good drainage without the soil becoming parched. It performs in any aspect and in both exposed and sheltered positions. The UK hardiness rating H5–H7 means it is classed from hardy to fully hardy, so it will survive typical UK winters across most regions. Use 'Bressingham Flair' in mixed borders, on rock garden shelves or as a spreading ground cover where its summer flowers can be appreciated. Combined with larger herbaceous perennials, it helps provide a sustained mid- to late-summer flowering layer. Leaves commonly develop red tints in autumn, which gives the clump seasonal interest beyond the flowers.

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 'Bressingham Flair' 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, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russian Federation

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium psilostemon 'Bressingham Flair'

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 'Bressingham Flair'?

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 'Bressingham Flair'?

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

What soil does Geranium psilostemon 'Bressingham Flair' need?

Geranium psilostemon 'Bressingham Flair' 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 'Bressingham Flair'?

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.