The vibrant dark violet-blue flowers of the Showy Geranium (Geranium x magnificum) appear to have penciled dark-blue veins. The blossoms attract butterflies and are about twice the size of most hardy geranium flowers, two inches rather than the average one inch across. Great in borders, cottage gardens or wild gardens. It is indeed “Showy” and a stand-out in any collection of crane’s-bill. This hybrid forms a mound of deeply-cut green foliage, bearing masses of large cup-shaped violet-blue flowers. Often has attractive red fall color. This Geranium still rates as among the best of the blue forms. They may aggressively establish colonies of flowers self-sufficiently, but they are not invasive since they disappear by summer after their growing season

Care

Grow hardy geraniums in moist but well-drained soil in sun or shade. Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms. Hardy geraniums die back in autumn and regrow in spring. Plants need to be cut back hard after blooming to encourage fresh new foliage. Best grown as perennial in zones 3-10.

Growth Habit

Geranium x magnificum is a hybrid hardy geranium (G. ibericum x G. platypetalum). It typically grows in a clump to 18-24″ tall on generally upright stems clad with palmate, hairy, deeply-lobed (5-7 divisions), green leaves. Features five-petaled, violet-blue flowers (to 1.5″ diameter) in early to mid-summer.

Toxicity

Considered toxic to pets; they contain chemicals like geraniol and linalool which can cause symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and skin irritation if ingested; therefore, it's best to keep them out of reach of your animals. Deer tend not to like the scent or texture of the blooms and foliage.