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Geranium psilostemon
magenta cranesbill
Northeastern Turkey and the Caucasus
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Overview
Geranium psilostemon is the magenta cranesbill (Armenian cranesbill, syn. G. armenum), a deciduous perennial growing 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall and wide. Intense magenta-crimson saucer-shaped flowers 1.5 inches (4 cm) with a black center and black veining from late spring to summer (June-July) — the magenta-and-black color combination is not found in other commonly cultivated Geranium species. Medium to dark green palmately lobed (5-7 lobes) leaves 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), turning orange-red in fall. In the geranium family (Geraniaceae). One of the tallest hardy geraniums at 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) — larger than G. sanguineum (12 inches / 30 cm) or 'Rozanne' (18 inches / 45 cm). The plant sprawls after the main bloom if not cut back — cut by two-thirds in July for fresh basal foliage and possible September rebloom. Not to be confused with Pelargonium (tender windowbox 'geraniums'). G. × oxonianum 'Patricia' is a hybrid of G. psilostemon with more compact habit. Native to northeastern Turkey and the Caucasus. Consistent moisture. Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Deer-resistant. Full sun to partial shade. Zones 4-8. Growth rate is moderate to fast.
Native Range
Native to northeastern Turkey and the Caucasus, growing in mountain meadows and woodland edges.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted in mixed borders and cottage gardens in zones 4-8. The magenta-and-black flower combination contrasts with blue, yellow, and silver companions. Cut back in July to prevent sprawl. 'Patricia' for more compact growth. Mildly toxic to pets. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Late spring to summer (June-July), lasting 5-6 weeks. Magenta-crimson flowers with black centers, 1.5 inches (4 cm). Cut back by two-thirds in July for fresh growth and possible September rebloom.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Intense magenta-crimson with a black center and black veining; saucer-shaped, 1.5 inches (4 cm)Foliage Description
Medium to dark green, palmately lobed (5-7 lobes), 4-6 inches (10-15 cm); turns orange-red in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade. Consistent moisture. Cut back by two-thirds after main bloom (the plant sprawls if not cut). Tolerates clay. Mildly toxic to pets. 'Patricia' is a more compact hybrid. Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8.Pruning
Cut back by two-thirds after the main bloom in July — this prevents sprawling, produces fresh basal foliage, and may trigger a September rebloom. Cut all foliage to the ground in fall (October) or early spring (March).Pruning Schedule
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summerfallearly spring