Armenian Cranesbill

Geranium psilostemon is a giant among hardy geraniums and one of the most spectacular species for a large garden. It is famous for its large, saucer-shaped flowers of an almost electric magenta-pink, each featuring a distinct, star-shaped black centre and delicate black veining. These flowers are produced in great profusion throughout midsummer. The plant itself is vigorous, forming a large mound of deeply lobed, dark green leaves that can turn shades of red and gold in the autumn. It can reach heights of up to 1.2m and may require some support from neighbouring plants or brushwood stakes to prevent it from flopping. It is fully hardy (H7) and performs best in full sun or very light partial shade, in any reasonably fertile soil that doesn't dry out completely. It is a fantastic plant for filling spaces in a border and looks wonderful when paired with purple-leaved shrubs or silver-foliaged perennials. After flowering, it can be cut back to encourage new foliage growth and perhaps a sporadic secondary bloom.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Any fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.