Family: Geraniaceae
Common name: Armenian cranesbill, Cranesbill, Caucasian crane’s bill
Armenian cranesbill plants are captivating perennial shrubs celebrated for their vibrant flowers and ease of growing. They are herbaceous perennials that can form short dense clumps dotted with purple flowers during the flowering season.
Plant Characteristics
Armenian cranesbill plants typically grow to a height of 60 to 90 cm, and spreads about as much with their multi-branched, short stems. The leaves are deeply lobed, palmate with each lobe further divided into smaller segments, making the plant very ornamental even without the flowers.
Leaves are about 10-15 cm long, bright green, in start contrast to the bright purple or pink flowers having a darker center and radiating veins of dark purple. Lighter colored flowers might have a white or light yellow center.
Armenian cranesbill flowers also have prominent stamens and pistils clustered at the center. Flowers are about 4 to 5 cm in diameter and bloom in abundance during spring and summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden.
After flowering, Armenian cranesbill plants produce small, rounded seed pods that contain small seeds.
Gardening tips
These plants prefer full sunlight to encourage abundant flowering. Soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter, though they are partially tolerant to sandy and clayey soil. They can be grown as border plants, or even in hangings pots or baskets.
Watering and fertilizing the plants is necessary especially during the flowering period. Remove spent flowers and prune gently to encourage more flowers, and to prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
Though Armenian cranesbill plants are mostly grown as ornamental plants these days, they had some uses in traditional herbal medicine in earlier days. Common hybrids include Ann folkard, Patricia, Anne Thomson, and Bressingham flair.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and root division. Mature plants can be removed after loosening the soil around the base, and separated into individual plants.
Photographed at: Toronto, Canada and KEW gardens, London
