Geranium psilostemon Bressingham Flair

Geranium 'Bressingham Flair', also known as Armenian Cranesbill or formerly Geranium armenum, is a lavish perennial derived from Geranium psilostemon, here presented in a softened magenta-pink version. Over time, it forms a majestic and dense dome of dark green palmate leaves that is covered from late spring to the middle of summer by renewed flowering, consisting of slightly crumpled cups centred around a black heart. Very hardy, it requires full sun and fertile, moist soil to thrive, allowing it to reach impressive dimensions. A true star, with an exuberant temperament, suitable for all flower beds.

Geranium psilostemon is a perennial belonging to the Geraniaceae family. It is native to Armenia and the Caucasus. 'Bressingham Flair', from which it originates, displays a regular and bushy dome-shaped habit starting from spring. It reaches a height of 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) when in flower, depending on the growing conditions, with a minimum diameter of 60 cm (24 in). Its growth is slow. Flowering begins in late May to early June and continues in July to August, and even in September if faded flowers are regularly removed. The inflorescence is a compound cyme of round and open flowers, lighter in colour than the type species, veined with black, along with a black centre. The flowers have a texture reminiscent of crepe paper, measuring 4 cm (2 in) in diameter. The fruits that follow the flowers are long and slender, opening to project the seeds far away. This geranium has dark green foliage, composed of slightly aromatic, velvety, seven-lobed leaves, tinged with purple in spring and turning red in autumn. It overwinters in the form of underground roots.

Geranium psilostemon 'Bressingham Flair' is a wonderful plant for flower beds and cool slopes in cottage gardens. Pair it with verbascums, baby's breath, Crambe cordifolia, Bronze fennel, purple knapweed, Aster laevis, and all tall perennials that will not overshadow its somewhat theatrical charm. It also makes a good companion for summer-flowering shrubs: roses, mock oranges, abelias, and delicate potentillas. It also thrives in large pots with the appropriate fertiliser and watering.