Geranium x magnificum

Perennial of the Geraniaceae family, Geranium x magnificum is a sterile garden hybrid, obtained by crossing G. ibericum and G. platypetalum, two species native to the Caucasus and the Near East. Producing no viable seeds, it multiplies exclusively by division, and all cultivated plants are clones.

It forms large and vigorous clumps, reaching 45 to 60 cm in height when in bloom, with a rounded and slightly spreading habit. The foliage is palmately lobed, widely cut, medium green, covered with a clearly visible pubescence that gives it a soft and matte texture. In autumn, it takes on orange and reddish hues before disappearing.

The flowers are among the largest of the genus in cultivation, reaching 4 to 5 cm in diameter. Their color varies from an intense violet-blue to a deep violet-purple depending on the sunlight, crossed by very distinctly marked darker veins that radiate from the pink center of the flower. The petals are slightly notched at the top. The flower buds, densely hairy, precede an abundant but brief flowering.

In cultivation, its flowering occurs in June, generous and spectacular, over three to four weeks. A severe trimming of the foliage after flowering encourages the emission of new fresh leaves for the second part of the season.

It adapts to most well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade, and is very resilient once established.