Geranium maculatum Espresso

The Perennial Geranium maculatum 'Espresso' is an herbaceous perennial that blooms abundantly from May to July. This geranium forms a compact cluster of pink-purple and white flowers at the base of the petals. The flowers are cup-shaped and face upwards, measuring 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter. It has a bushy habit and is very hardy. The first flowers of the 'Espresso' geranium appear before the trees are covered in leaves. They are then dewdrop-colored. Its basal leaves are green and measure 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in) long, with five to seven narrow, dentate, widely spaced lobes.

The 'Espresso' variety is the only one among all maculatum geraniums to have both very large flowers and amazing shiny chocolate-coffee colored foliage. At maturity, the Geranium maculatum 'Espresso' reaches a height of 60 cm (24in). What makes this variety strong is its large fleshy roots filled with dormant buds. When nature becomes hostile, these geraniums take refuge in these "survival pockets". Its roots resist everything and allow it to re-grow every year, even after the driest summer and the coldest winter. They come back to life when spring returns.

The maculatum geraniums bloom in clearings and cool woodlands in North America. Up to Canada, where it is very cold in winter and where summer is also very dry (tree roots pump everything out). It actually tolerates heat better and grows equally well in shade as in full sun. This summer-interest geranium is a good ground cover. It can also be used in borders, edgings, or flower beds. It is perfectly suited for natural gardens that allow the plants to grow freely, intermingling with other more upright plants such as roses, giving them a colorful touch. The Geranium maculatum 'Espresso' pairs well with Astrantia major (Cantal), Astrantia major 'Claret', and Lunaria annua 'Variegata Alba'.