Reddish-brown geranium

Family Geraniaceae. A short-rhizomed plant from the oak forests of the Carpathians.

From the powerful, knotty rhizome arise numerous rounded basal leaves up to 10 cm wide, divided into 5–7 lobes, on long petioles. The leaves are the plant's best ornament. They have an unusual, slightly glaucous coloration, and in mid-summer a purple pattern appears on them. The leaves remain green until spring, when they are replaced by spring leaves. For this reason the species is considered consistently picturesque and never loses its decorative appeal. In early June, from the center of the clump emerge long, erect, leafy stems up to 50–80 cm tall. The stem ends in a many-flowered, umbrella-shaped cluster inflorescence.

The flowers are small, about 2 cm in diameter, dark, purplish-brown with rounded, wavy-edged petals. Flowering is prolonged, 40–45 days; numerous seeds ripen in July–August. They fall off, and in the following spring there is abundant self-seeding. Seedlings of geranium flower in the second year.

Like most woodland plants, reddish-brown geranium is moderately moisture-loving, shade-tolerant, and prefers loose, fertile, well-drained soils. It is propagated by seed (sown in autumn) and by dividing the clump. Division can be carried out either in early spring or in late summer. Overwintering leaves suffer from severe frosts. The reddish-brown geranium is a very ornamental plant. It is attractive at any time of the season, but especially during flowering. The uncommon dark color of the flowers, the lace-like inflorescence, and the attractive habit all make the geranium very promising for dressing shaded flower beds. It can be used in rock gardens, as an edging plant and in mixed plantings. Undoubtedly, it deserves wider distribution.