Perennial: Geranium X Magnificum

Ever Been Confused By A Plant's Name?

Most plants have two ? a common and a Latin, or botanical, name. Plants can even have more than one common name, and better yet, those names may be shared with other, non-related plants. Though each plant has only one Latin name, it?s not always familiar and often difficult to pronounce. The hardy Geranium is a plant that falls prey to this confusing name game.

The genus Geranium is composed of numerous hardy perennials that are easy to grow in ordinary, well-drained garden soils. The common bedding plants that are grown for annual color and bloom in vibrant shades of red or pink may be called Geraniums, but they are, in fact, Pelargoniums. They are not directly related to the hardy Geraniums (same family, different genus). To add to the confusion, hardy Geraniums are commonly called Cranesbill, named for the beak-like fruits that form after flowering.

Geranium x magnificum is a hybrid of two Geranium species (G. ibericum ibericum and G. platypetalum, hence the "x" between its genus and species names). Magnificum is superior to both its parents. It has a loosely mounded habit that makes it versatile in many areas of the garden. Its lush basal leaves are lobed and toothed, with an interesting texture ? tiny hairs make the leaves very soft to the touch. The intense electric violet blue flowers have intricate, darker veining and are larger (11/2" in diameter) than most hardy geraniums. Magnificum blooms profusely in late spring and summer, but its magnificence doesn?t end there. In autumn, the foliage turns crimson red.

Magnificum is exceptionally hardy and will grow in most areas of the United States. Listed as hardy in zones 10-3, it will tolerate the dry heat of the southwest, but does not like the humid heat of the southeast. Some hardy Geraniums are also notorious self-seeders, but Magnificum is a sterile hybrid that will grow only where you plant it.

When it comes to names, Geranium x magnificum is truly appropriate, for this is a magnificent garden perennial ? showy, easy-care and extremely adaptable.

Garden Tales

Sometimes I like to use analogies, and one that works well when planning a garden is to compare it with a movie. Usually both start with a plot. Then the characters are cast. The leading actors are chosen first and are usually the showy "prima donnas," such as roses or other large, long-blooming, fragrant flowers. Next, a supporting cast is chosen that will complement the leading roles. They may be strong characters that push the leaders for dominance, such as Delphiniums or Hollyhocks; others may be added for richness and context, such as hedges or groundcovers.

Then come the character actors? they?re colorful, and fill the voids in a production. Their parts may not be large, but they certainly are important, and often they steal the show. I would describe Geranium Magnificum as a character actor ? it has the perfect credentials. It is never the first plant I select for a garden; in fact, many times I add it at the last minute as a filler.

These are necessary plants ? I call them "garden weavers." They fill the voids, and mingle with other plants to pull the garden together unobtrusively, whereas some plants might overpower the space. But when Magnificum takes center stage, its charisma is readily apparent. Its electric violet blue flowers are captivating. Never mind that the leading ladies are still on stage (roses, for example). The surprise element of the character actor?s performance steals the show. Geranium Magnificum plays this role to the hilt.

And like a good character actor, Geranium Magnificum never lets me down at show time. I would nominate it for an award: best actor in a supporting role. Magnificum may be one of the last plants I choose, but it certainly is one of the most important.