Orion Cranesbill flowers (Photo courtesy of V. Trattar) Height: 30 inches Spacing: 26 inches
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Hardiness Zone: 4a Other Names: Hardy Geranium Description: Mounding geranium covered in large saucer shaped, violet-blue flowers in early summer; deadhead spent flowers for reblooming later in the season Ornamental Features Orion Cranesbill has masses of beautiful violet flowers with deep purple veins at the ends of the stems from mid spring to early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its deeply cut lobed palmate leaves remain grayish green in color throughout the season. Landscape Attributes Orion Cranesbill is an herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage. This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics. Orion Cranesbill is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Orion Cranesbill will grow to be about 30 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 26 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen! This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation. Orion Cranesbill is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It can be used either as 'filler' or as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, depending on the height and form of the other plants used in the container planting. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
