Geranium x magnificum (Purple Cranesbill)

A truly magnificent sight in the early to mid-summer garden, award-winning Geranium x magnificum (Purple Cranesbill) is a hybrid hardy geranium forming dense mounds of large, 2 in. wide (5 cm), rich violet-blue, heavily veined, saucer-shaped flowers atop a velvety, deeply-lobed foliage that turns red in fall. While the flowering season of this geranium is fairly short (a couple of weeks), it is so intense and stunning that, coupled with this fall color interest, a garden spot should be dedicated to it. Particularly attractive with Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) and Peonies (Paeonia).

• Clump-forming and vigorous, this deciduous perennial reaches 24-30 in. in height and spread (60-75 cm). This sturdy performer is not only easy to grow, but it also requires very little maintenance!
• Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers moist, humusy soils, especially in hot summer areas. Drought tolerant, once established, it is attractive to butterflies but deer and rabbit resistant.
• A perfect border plant, it is a spectacular addition to beds, borders, groundcover, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and underplanting roses and shrubs. Add the pretty flowers of this geranium to your salads or decorate your cakes!
• Won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Purple Cranesbill is generally not subject to serious pest or disease issues. Watch for vine weevil larvae, Geranium sawfly larvae, capsid bug, slugs, and snails. Powdery mildew in dry conditions may be troublesome.
• Geranium x magnificum is a hybrid of Geranium Ibericum and Geranium Platypetalum.
• Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers. New foliage quickly appears if cut down after flowering. If your plant becomes leggy or flops with age, cut it back to basal foliage to rejuvenate.
• Propagate by division between early fall and early spring or cut back plants after flowering in summer, then divide, replant and water thoroughly.