Geranium madarense

Common Name:
Madeira Cranesbill

Description:
Geranium maderense is a spectacular evergreen perennial known for its bold foliage and enormous dome-shaped displays of vivid magenta-pink flowers. Native to Madeira, this dramatic species forms a large rosette of deeply divided green leaves with reddish stems, eventually producing towering branched flower heads covered in bright blooms during spring and early summer. It creates a striking architectural feature in shaded gardens, subtropical plantings, and sheltered courtyards. In Melbourne, it performs best in part shade with rich, well-drained soil and protection from harsh afternoon sun and strong frost. Although technically a short-lived perennial or biennial, it self-seeds readily under suitable conditions. Its lush tropical appearance and impressive flowering habit make it a standout specimen plant.

Form:
Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
Height: 1–1.5 m
Width: 1.5–2 m

Aspect:
Part Shade
Full Shade

Flowering:
Flowers in Spring
Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:
Magenta pink
Purple pink

Key Attributes:
Bee Attracting
Bird Attracting
Herbaceous
Perennial
Suitable for Pots
Architectural foliage
Self-seeding

Toxicity:
Generally considered non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats, though ingestion may occasionally cause mild stomach upset.

Companion Plants:
Ferns
Hostas
Clivia
Hydrangeas
Hellebores
Begonias
Heuchera
Japanese Forest Grass