Geranium maderense (Cranesbill)

The largest Geranium species and regarded by many as the most spectacular of all species, award-winning Geranium maderense is a robust evergreen perennial or biennial forming a mound of large, palmately dissected dark green leaves, up to 8 in. long (20 cm) at the end of fleshy reddish stems. In spring, a huge bouquet of showy purplish-pink flowers adorned with dark centers and illuminated by pale veins, rise well above the attractive foliage. Their flowering stems and sepals are covered with brilliant hairs that catch the light and trap insects. Flowering usually starts in year two, but the dramatic foliage of Madeira Cranesbill is worth the wait. Short-lived and often grown as a biennial, this is a desirable plant for mild winter gardens and a real show-stopper.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grow up to 4-5 ft. tall and wide (120-150 cm). Although this plant dies after flowering, it self-sows profusely and remains in the garden. The seedlings are easy to remove.
• Performs best in full sun or part shade, in well-drained soils. Full shade tolerant. This plant is not fussy about soils provided they are well-drained. Keep in a frost-free environment over winter.
• Perfect addition to beds, borders, cottage gardens, and Mediterranean gardens.
• This Geranium is generally pest-free. Watch for powdery mildew and downy mildew
• Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers. Propagate by seed, division or take basal cuttings
• Native to Madeira.