
Armenian Cranesbill
Geranium psilostemon
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Turkey, Caucasus
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
A clump-forming perennial noted for its deeply-lobed, palmate leaves and striking, saucer-shaped, magenta flowers with prominent black centers. Its most distinctive feature is the intense, vivid magenta flower color, dramatically contrasted by a large, black central eye.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Water consistently during the growing season, avoiding waterlogging.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring for vigorous growth.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and mid-summer
- Divide plants every 2-3 years for health and vigor
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Refrain from using heavy, clay soils that retain excess water
- Don’t fertilize excessively, as it can lead to leggy growth
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Armenian Cranesbill questions
What zones can Armenian Cranesbill grow in?
Armenian Cranesbill is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Armenian Cranesbill deer resistant?
Yes — Armenian Cranesbill is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Armenian Cranesbill bloom?
Armenian Cranesbill typically blooms in late spring to early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Armenian Cranesbill need full sun?
Armenian Cranesbill does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Armenian Cranesbill drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Armenian Cranesbill handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Geranium to compare

Bigroot Geranium
Geranium macrorrhizum

Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum

Cranesbill 'Rozanne'
Geranium x magnificum 'Rozanne'

Showy Cranesbill
Geranium x magnificum 'Bevan's Variety'

Azure Rush Geranium
Geranium incanum 'Azure Rush'

Cranesbill 'Orion'
Geranium maculatum 'Orion'
