Geranium magnificum

Description

Geranium x magnificum – cranesbill

Botanical name: Geranium x magnificum
Common names: Cranesbill
Family: Geraniaceae
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Bushy, spreading, mound-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 45–60cm tall × 60cm spread
Foliage: Large, hairy, deeply lobed green leaves, colouring richly red and orange in autumn; deciduous
Flowers: A spectacular flush of large, rich violet-blue saucer-shaped flowers with darker veining, in early summer (June–July)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Most soils; moist but well-drained, fertile; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 4–8
Exposure: Sheltered or exposed; very tolerant
Native range: Garden form; hardy geraniums are native across Europe and Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Geranium x magnificum is a superb cranesbill giving a spectacular flush of rich violet-blue flowers in early summer, with fine red and orange autumn foliage. Tough, sterile and reliable for borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A magnificent, aptly named hybrid cranesbill, this gives one glorious, spectacular flush of large, rich violet-blue saucer-shaped flowers in early summer, above bold, hairy, lobed foliage that colours superbly red and orange in autumn. Being sterile it sets no seed, and it is tough, long-lived and thoroughly reliable — a mainstay of the cottage and mixed border, and a great favourite with bees.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in most soils soil in full sun to partial shade — hardy geraniums are among the easiest and most adaptable of all perennials. Space about 45cm apart. Water while establishing.

Care & maintenance

The single most useful thing you can do is give it a hard cut-back once the first flush of flowers fades — shear the whole plant right down to near ground level. It responds with a fresh mound of clean foliage and, usually, a second flush of flowers. Cut down old growth in late winter. Lift and divide congested clumps every few years in spring.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide established clumps in spring, as growth begins.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and healthy — hardy geraniums are among the most reliable of all perennials. Slugs may graze new growth, and powdery mildew or rust can occur in dry spells. Otherwise easy.

Uses in the garden

Superb in cottage, mixed and wildlife borders, as groundcover, on banks and beneath roses and shrubs, where its spectacular early-summer flush of violet-blue and fine autumn foliage colour bring two seasons of value.

Wildlife value

Hardy geraniums are excellent for pollinators: their open, saucer-shaped flowers are very attractive to bees, hoverflies and other beneficial insects, often over a long season.

Toxicity & safety

Hardy geraniums are generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets. Note that they are quite different from pelargoniums (the tender bedding and pot ‘geraniums’), which are toxic to cats and dogs.

GardenAdvice tip

Geranium x magnificum earns its name with one truly spectacular flush of rich violet-blue in early summer — brief, but glorious — followed by excellent red and orange autumn leaf colour. It flowers itself into a sprawl, so shear the whole plant hard to the ground afterwards for a fresh mound of foliage. Being sterile, it never self-seeds.

Our plants are guaranteed for 24 months for more details Click Here