This wildflower from Madeira is a short-lived perennial that is hardy to -5°C. It flowers in its second year, and our plants are one year old. This plant can also be grown indoors in a large well-drained pot with extra sharp sand.
Grows to 1.5m tall and 1m across in well-drained soils (including a clay soil as long as it doesn't get water-logged) and in any position from full shade to full sun. It produces a fantastic display of pink flowers over a long season and they are particularly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
This exotic plant has a dramatic appearance even before the flowers appear. As the oldest leaves die, the stems bend down to the ground and helpto support the plant.
Giant Herb Robert / Geranium maderense
Position: Flower border / Large container
Flowering months: Jun / Jul / Aug / Sep
Light: Full sun / Mix of sun and shade / Dappled shade / Full Shade
Soil: Clay / Loam / Chalk / Sand
Tested in our local soil (t.i.o.l.s.): Yes (but avoid heavy clay)
Drainage: Well drained
Life cycle: Short-lived perennial (usually flowers in its second year and may also flower in the third year)
Hardiness: Half hardy (protect if temperatures are below -5°C)
Over winter: Stays evergreen