Geranium maderense
giant herb robert
Erupting like a living fountain, this architectural marvel bursts forth with hundreds of reddish-mauve blooms hovering above a spectacular rosette of glossy, dissected foliage.
Geranium madarense, the true Madeiran cranesbill, commands attention with its bold structure, rising dramatically to 1.5m on stout, succulent stems crowned with leaves spanning 20cm (8in) across. This show-stopping short-lived perennial builds suspense over two to three years before unleashing its grand finale – a dazzling display of 4cm (2in) wide flowers, each intricately veined in darker tones, creating a magenta-pink explosion visible from across the garden.
Though not fully hardy below -4°C and monocarpic (dying after its theatrical flowering), this extraordinary plant happily self-seeds in sheltered, sunny positions, ensuring future generations of this spectacular Mediterranean native continue to captivate.
Geranium madarense, the true Madeiran cranesbill, commands attention with its bold structure, rising dramatically to 1.5m on stout, succulent stems crowned with leaves spanning 20cm (8in) across. This show-stopping short-lived perennial builds suspense over two to three years before unleashing its grand finale – a dazzling display of 4cm (2in) wide flowers, each intricately veined in darker tones, creating a magenta-pink explosion visible from across the garden.
Though not fully hardy below -4°C and monocarpic (dying after its theatrical flowering), this extraordinary plant happily self-seeds in sheltered, sunny positions, ensuring future generations of this spectacular Mediterranean native continue to captivate.
How to care for Geranium maderense:
Protect from frost during winter with a framework of twigs or canes covered in fleece and stuffed with straw or bracken. If container grown, place in a sheltered, cool position and restrict watering during the coldest months. Collect seed after flowering to maintain stock.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
1.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade / shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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