Geranium Psilostemon

2-3 Litre Pot

• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well drained
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Flowering Period: June to August
• Hardiness: H7
• Eventual Height: 0.5-1m
• Eventual Spread: 0.5-1.5m

Geranium Psilostemon, commonly known as ‘Armenian Cranesbill’ and holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit  is a striking perennial plant celebrated for its vibrant and eye-catching floral display. Belonging to the Geraniaceae family, this herbaceous species is native to the Caucasus region and parts of Iran.

Characterised by its bushy growth habit and deeply lobed, palmate leaves, this variety typically reaches a height of about 1 metre and spreads to form dense clumps. The foliage is lush green and often turns reddish in autumn, adding to the plant’s ornamental appeal beyond its flowering season.

The real highlight of this variety lies in its extravagant blooms, which appear from late Spring to early Summer. Each flower features five vivid magenta petals with distinctive dark veins radiating from the centre, creating a mesmerising pattern reminiscent of delicate brushstrokes. The flowers are held above the foliage on slender, erect stems, making them highly visible and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.

This geranium species thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a sunny to partially shaded location. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring little more than regular watering during dry spells and occasional deadheading to prolong flowering. Hardy and resilient, it is prized by gardeners for its longevity and ability to naturalise, forming impressive colonies over time.

Whether planted in borders, rock gardens, or mixed herbaceous beds, the Geranium Psilostemon adds a welcome burst of colour and charm to any landscape. Its reliable performance, coupled with its exquisite blooms, makes it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking a touch of elegance and vibrancy in their outdoor spaces.

How to care for your Geranium Psilostemon

1. Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Ensure it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering.
2. Soil: This plant thrives in well-draining soil. Amend heavy or clay soils with organic matter like compost to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.
4. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like compost, bark chips, or straw work well.
5. Fertilisation: Generally doesn’t require heavy fertilisation. However, you can apply a balanced fertiliser in Spring as new growth begins, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Additionally, trim back the entire plant after the first flush of flowers to promote a bushier growth habit and potentially induce a second bloom.
7. Division: Every few years, consider dividing overcrowded clumps to rejuvenate the plant and maintain its vigour. Spring or early Autumn is the best time for division.
8. Winter Care: In regions with harsh Winters, apply a layer of mulch over the plant’s root zone to protect it from freezing temperatures. Cut back the foliage after the first frost to tidy up the plant, but leave some stems for winter interest.

By following these care guidelines, you can ensure that your Geranium Psilostemon remains healthy, vigorous, and adorned with its striking blooms throughout the growing season.