Geranium psilostemon

True geraniums - not the big showy annuals (actually called Pelargoniums) - are fantastic plants that provide near-year-round interest in the garden. The foliage of the geraniums in our gardens remain green through November before turning the most beautiful shade of crimson in December. They are extremely easy to grow in average garden soil in full sun to part shade.

Armenian cranesbill is amongst the largest of the hardy species growing up to 48 inches. Showy magenta flowers with black centers and dark veins repeat all summer. Large, heart shaped leaves turn crimson in fall.

Note: this tall plant may need some support.

Distinctions: Winner of an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticulture Society.

Zones: 5 to 8

Family: Geraniaceae

Type: Perennial

Height: 36 to 48 in.

Spread: 36 to 48 in.

Exposure: Full sun, part-shade

Soil Conditions: well-drained, average

Bloom Time: June to July

Bloom Color: Bright Magenta With Black Centre

Native Range: Caucasus, Turkey and Armenia

Image Credits:

• Image 1 (blooms) Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
• Image 2 (foliage) Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons