Geranium psilostemon - Armenian Cranesbill

Geranium psilostemon, also known as Armenian Cranesbill, or formerly Geranium armenum, is a lush perennial. Over time, it forms a majestic and dense dome of dark green palmate leaves, which is covered from late spring to mid-summer with an abundant flowering of magenta-pink flowers with black centres. Very hardy, it requires full sun and fertile, moist soil to thrive, allowing it to reach impressive dimensions. A true star and strong personality, suitable for all borders. Before bidding farewell, it adorns itself with beautiful autumnal hues.

Geranium psilostemon belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is native to Armenia and the Caucasus. This perennial displays a regular and bushy dome-shaped growth from spring onwards. It will reach a height of 60 to 120 cm (24 to 47 in) when flowering, depending on the growing conditions, with a minimum diameter of 60 cm (24 in). Its growth is slow. Flowering begins in late May to early June and continues in July to August. The inflorescence is a compound cyme of round and open flowers, magenta-pink veined with black, along with a black centre. The flowers have a translucent texture reminiscent of crepe paper, measuring 4 cm (2 in) in diameter. The fruits that follow the flowers are long and slender, opening to project the seeds far away. This geranium has dark green foliage, composed of seven lobed, hairy, slightly aromatic leaves, tinged with purple in spring and turning red in autumn. It overwinters in the form of underground roots.

Geranium psilostemon is a wonderful plant for borders and cool slopes in cottage gardens. Pair it with verbascum, paniculate baby's breath, Crambe cordifolia, bronze fennel, goldenrod, purple knapweed, Aster laevis, all tall perennials that will not overshadow its somewhat theatrical charm. It also grows well in large pots, with the appropriate fertiliser and watering.