Geranium pratense 'Dark Reiter' | meadow cranesbill

True geraniums - not the big showy annuals (actually called Pelargoniums) - are fantastic plants that provide near-year-round interest in the garden. The foliage of the geraniums in our gardens remain green through November before turning the most beautiful shade of crimson in December. They are extremely easy to grow in average garden soil in full sun to part shade.

G. pratense 'Dark Reiter' is an excellent choice with deep red foliage and purple-blue flowers. It will not collapse and does not require staking. Self-sown seedlings will be about 98% consistent - expect dark reddish-plum colored foliage - remove the outliers.

Zones: 4 to 8
Family: Geraniaceae
Type: Perennial
Height: 8 to 12 in.
Spread: 8 to 12 in.
Exposure: full sun to part shade
Soil Conditions: average, well-drained
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Color: lilac-blue
Native Range: cultivar. Species is from northern Europe, central Asia and China