Geranium, Cranesbill 'Dark Reiter'

Other Names: Hardy Geranium, Cranesbill

Description:

Clusters of bright lilac-blue saucer shaped blooms blanket deeply-cut dark burgundy-green foliage; this low, mounded plant will bloom later in the season with deadheading

Ornamental Features

Dark Reiter Geranium has masses of beautiful blue flowers at the ends of the stems from early summer to early fall, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its attractive deeply cut lobed palmate leaves emerge deep purple in spring, turning dark green in color with hints of burgundy throughout the season. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.

Landscape Attributes

Dark Reiter Geranium is an herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Dark Reiter Geranium is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Dark Reiter Geranium will grow to be about 10 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 14 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 10 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Dark Reiter Geranium is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers and foliage against which the thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, most plants cannot be expected to survive the winter if left in containers outdoors, and this plant is no exception. Contact our store for more information on how to protect it over the winter months.