Perennial of the Month-- May 2004 
Perennial of the Month-- May 2004
(ger-aa' nee-um) (pronunciation at link, turn up volume if too low)
Common name: Elizabeth Ann perennial geranium
Family: Geranium, Geraniaceae
Height x width: 18-24" x 18-24"
Growth rate; habit: moderate (vigorous in ideal conditions), loosely upright to slightly rambling
Foliage: dark chocolate brown, up to 6" across, deeply cut into about 5 narrow sections, green midribs
Flowers: lilac-pink 1 to 1/5" across, striking contast above dark foliage; late spring
Hardiness: USDA zones 3-7
Soil: average well-drained, tolerates extremes of slightly wet or dry
Light: north--sun, part shade, south and west--part shade best
Pests and problems: none serious
Landscape habit, uses: color for shade, borders, woodland, native gardens; combines well with lungworts, silver bugloss, trollius (mild summer climates), variegated sedges, Phlox Becky Towe, underplanted with Vinca Illumination
Other interest: selection from Leslie Grayson garden of the mid-Atlantic, named for owner's niece; genus name from Greek word for crane, refering to the resemblance of the beaked fruit to a crane's bill or beak; species native to the NE US; cultivar 'Espresso' from Northcreek Nurseries (PA) is similar only with smaller flowers but darker foliage
Other culture: moist soil best in hot climates
Propagation: home--division, commercial--patented, through licensed propagators
Sources: local and mail-order specialty nurseries or complete garden centers; commercially available from licensed propagators through Plant Haven, Geraniaceae, Sunny Border nurseries