Topic summary

Geranium psilostemon

Geranium psilostemon

Geranium psilostemon, commonly called Armenian cranesbill, is a species of hardy flowering herbaceousperennial plant in the genusGeranium, family Geraniaceae. It is native to Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Russian Federation. Forming a large clump to 120 cm (47 in) tall, it has glowing reddish purple colored flowers with prominent dark centres, and divided leaves tinted red in Autumn. It is cultivated as a garden subject, and a number of different cultivars exist. G. psilostemon has the UK’s hardiest rating, surviving temperatures as low as −20 °C (−4 °F).

The Latin specific epithetpsilostemon means "with smooth stamens".

Like other geranium species, G. psilostemon is useful as underplanting for larger shrubs such as roses. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The cultivar 'Ivan' has also received the award.