Perennial of the Month-- October 2001
(ger-aa' nee-um vlas-so-vee-aa' num)
Common name: Siberian Geranium
Family: Geranium, Geraniaceae
Height x width: 12" x 24-36"
Growth rate: moderate
Foliage: generally circular outline with 7 lobes, basal leaves 4-6" wide, softly hairy leaves and flower stems, nice reddish fall color with frost
Flowers: reddish purple with darker veins; pistil and stamens are exserted; 1-1½" wide with 5 petals, single on axillary peduncles in loose cymes; midsummer and often long lasting until fall
Hardiness: USDA zones 3-8
Soil: moist, organic and well-drained
Light: sun in cool climates, part shade in hot climates
Pests and problems: seldom-- leaf spots, rusts, powdery mildew, mosaic virus, Asiatic garden beetle, four-lined plant bug
Landscape habit, uses: borders, large rock garden;
Other interest: native to Siberia, E. Russia and N. China; thick roots allow survival in drought; genus name from Greek word for crane, referring to the resemblance of the beaked fruit to a crane's bill or beak; becoming quite wide with age, and forming a lovely circle of blooms surrounding central large mound of leaves; one of hardier species of the genus
Other culture: especially in hot climates moist soil is needed
Propagation: tip cuttings, division, seeds
Sources: specialty perennial nurseries and plant-oriented garden centers; Geraniaceae