Giant Cranesbill (Geranium maderense) Undercliff Drive, Ventnor

Geranium maderense

Geranium maderense on Undercliff Drive,looking towards St. Lawrence (Photo:Dave Trevan)

It is worth taking a visit to Ventnor at the moment to see the truly amazing planting of the “Giant Cranesbill” (Geranium maderense) that have been planted opposite Ventnor Botanic Garden.The species is also called the “Madeiran Storksbill” or “Giant Herb Robert”.

 

This magnificent planting comprising several hundred plants, is in full flower at the moment and I would guess is the largest planting of this magnificent species to be seen in this country if not the world!

This species is frost tender and it is full credit to the staff at the Botanic Garden who have painstakingly covered the plants with fleece during inclement winter weather.

Geranium maderense

Geranium maderense-flowers showing darker veins (Photo:Dave Trevan)

 

This species grows up to 1.5m in height. The deeply divided leaves grow into a much branched rosette, from which the large inflorescence of dark magenta flowers, with darker veins are produced.

Geranium maderense

Geranium maderense (photo:Dave Trevan)

So, why not get yourselves down to Ventnor to see these wonderful plants and while there pay a visit to the Botanic Garden as well?

Dave Trevan

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