Saturday, October 8, 2011

Geranium maderense




Geranium maderense 
 Madeira Geranium
This is one of my favourite plants and not often seen in the commercial nursery scene. It is a short lived perennial but generous self-seeder in a semi shaded spot in the garden. I planted this one in autumn and was surprised how quickly it became established and started to flower. The bright magenta, pink veined flowers form a panicle-like inflorescence on the top of a metre high stem. The flower stalks themselves are covered with glistening purple hairs. In its native habitat it grows in rock crevices so at the base of the plant the leaf stalks arch downwards to add extra support to the main stem. The leaves are much lobed, palm like and a rich green colour. All Geraniums are remarkably hardy plants with low water and fertilizer requirements. They are also ideal for planting under trees if given a top dressing of compost from time to time.
2017 update: I currently don't have any plants available.

1 comment:

  1. I really wish I could grow this one...We have some wonderful geraniums but this one is just so cool.

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