Common Name: hardy geranium
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Geraniaceae
Zone: 5 to 7
Height: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: May to August
Bloom Description: Maroon purple
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Colorful
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Heavy Shade
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Unlike most other species of geranium, this species performs best in part shade including close to full shade conditions. It prefers moist, organically rich soils. Plants are intolerant of the heat and humidity of the deep South. If flowering stops and/or plant foliage depreciates in the heat of the summer, plants may be cut or sheared back to rejuvenate, shape and/or encourage additional bloom. Side stems may be removed or trimmed at any time to control spread.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Geranium × monacense is a hybrid cross between G. phaeum and G. reflexum. It grows in a spreading mound to 18” tall and 24” wide. The violet-red blooms have reflex petals and contrasting white markings at the bases of the petals.
Genus name comes from the Greek word geranos meaning crane in reference to the fruit which purportedly resembles the head and beak of a crane.
‘Muldoon’ features maroon-purple flowers with reflexed petals and a whitish center ring. Flowers bloom late spring to early summer, sometimes with sporadic continued bloom throughout the summer. Lobed, green leaves have purple-brown blotches.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Part shade areas of borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens or open woodland gardens. Specimen, group or mass.