Madeira Cranesbill

The largest in the family and, to some, the most spectacular of all. Geranium maderense is a statuesque evergreen biennial native to Madeira. The showy purple-pink dark-centered flowers of the Madeira Cranesbill appear in a large bouquet over the foliage in spring usually in the plant's second year. Tolerant of most soil, it does require good drainage and a frost free environment. In milder regions, this beauty will self-seed freely after flowering. Madeira cranesbill is a wildlife food source and has earned itself the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates coastal exposure
Soil: Any well-drained
Position: Full sun to full shade
Season of Interest: Pink bouquets in Spring, Attractive evergreen foliage
Hardiness: Half-hardy, needs frost protection
Height: 5ft (1.5m) Spread: 3ft (1m)