Geranium maculatum 'Elizabeth Ann'
We have this plant dotted around the garden; but it most noticeable in our ‘nectar ally’ in the teaching garden in the Learning Centre. It has just started to flower now; but has a very long flowering period and will continue all summer.
The leaves are the most gorgeous dark colour which can look spectacular against the fresh green foliage of late spring. The flowers are delicate lilac pink and contrast well with the leaves.
It can be used at the front of any borders and is quite a well-behaved clump-forming perennial. It came through one of the most severe winters last year without any problems and is not troubled by pests and diseases.
Vital statistics
- Common name
- Cranesbill
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Height & spread
- 60cm (24in) high x 45cm (18in)
- Form
- Herbaceous perennial
- Soil
- Fertile, well-drained to moist soil
- Aspect
- Full sun or partial shade
- Hardiness
- Hardy in the British Isles
Geranium
Cranesbills, Geranium, comprise around 300 species of annuals, biennials and herbaceous , semi-evergreen, sometimes tuberous perennials. They are sometimes confused with the genus Pelargonium which is commonly, though mistakenly, known as geranium.
Found in all except very wet habitats in temperate regions, they are generally long-lived and undemanding plants. Compact perennials, to about 15cm tall, are good for a rock garden; trailing, spreading or mat-forming plants are effective as ground cover in a woodland or wild garden. Taller, clump-forming species and hybrids are suitable for a border or among shrubs.
The leaves, usually rounded or five-pointed, are usually interestingly marked, textured, coloured or aromatic. Flowers are white, pink, purple or blue, usually saucer-shaped.
Geranium maculatum 'Elizabeth Ann'
This species is an erect, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with glossy, mid-green leaves. From late spring to midsummer it produces saucer-shaped, slightly upward facing lilac-pink to bright pink flowers 3cm (11/4in) across.
‘Elizabeth Ann’ has striking chocolate-coloured leaves that make its lilac-pink flowers stand out in contrast. It can tolerate damp soil and is a great ground cover plant for the edge of a border or woodland edge.
Cultivation
- Perfect for underplanting roses or filling the front of a border, coping well in full sun or partial shade.
- Water freely in the growing season. This plant is fast-growing and will benefit from a late summer chop to tidy up its habit and encourage production of fresh foliage and extended flowering.
- Plants may be damaged by vine weevil and sawfly larvae, slugs and snails. In dry conditions powdery mildew may be a problem.
Propagation
- Seed: sow in containers outdoors as soon as ripe or in spring.
- Lift and divide large colonies in spring.
AGM
The RHS Floral Trials Subcommittee awarded Geranium maculatum ‘Elizabeth Ann’ an Award of Garden Merit with the description:
'Upright, flowers in and above chocolate foliage. Leaves dark reddish brown, flowers pale pinkish purple. Flowering prolifically from May to June, with a second flush from June to mid July. Holds itself well; even when the flowers are over, the lime-green calyces are attractive.'