Geranium Raven

Geranium Raven is a stunning variety known for its dark, rich purple to blackish foliage and vibrant flowers, making it a standout choice for any garden. This hardy perennial offers a unique contrast of colors and a long-lasting blooming period, bringing both beauty and structure to your garden or containers.

Key Benefits

• Striking Dark Foliage: The dark, almost black foliage of Geranium Raven creates a dramatic backdrop for its colorful flowers, providing year-round visual interest.
• Long Blooming Period: This variety produces vibrant magenta or pinkish flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer, adding a splash of color to your garden.
• Attractive to Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to a thriving, healthy garden ecosystem.
• Versatile and Low Maintenance: Geranium Raven thrives in various garden settings, including borders, containers, and hanging baskets, and is easy to grow with minimal care.
• Cold Hardy: It is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures, making it perfect for a wide range of climates.

Variety Features

• Flower Color: The flowers bloom in vibrant shades of magenta to pink, creating a striking contrast against the dark foliage.
• Foliage: The deep purple to near-black leaves provide a unique, dramatic look, especially when combined with lighter-colored plants.
• Height: Geranium Raven typically grows to a height of 12–18 inches (30–45 cm), making it ideal for borders, containers, or as a ground cover.
• Blooming Period: It blooms from late spring to early summer, with continuous flowering throughout the season if deadheaded regularly.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost or sow directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Lightly press seeds into the soil, as they require light to germinate.
• Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart to allow proper growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
• Sunlight: Geranium Raven thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth, provide at least 4–6 hours of sunlight per day.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. Water at the base of the plant to prevent wetting the foliage and avoid fungal diseases.
• Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote strong growth and vibrant blooms throughout the growing season.

Pruning

• Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and to keep the plant tidy.
• In early spring, cut back any dead or damaged foliage to encourage fresh growth.

Mulching

• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Harvesting

• Cut Flowers: For cut flowers, harvest blooms in the early morning when they are fully open. Place them immediately in water to prolong their life.
• Seeds: Allow the flowers to mature and dry on the plant. Collect seeds once they have fully dried for storage.

Storage

• Seeds: Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry location. When stored properly, they remain viable for up to two years.
• Overwintering: In colder climates, treat Geranium Raven as an annual or bring plants indoors during the winter months to overwinter in containers.

Conclusion

Geranium Raven Seeds offer a beautiful contrast with their dark foliage and vibrant magenta to pink flowers. Perfect for adding structure and color to any garden, these plants are ideal for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Their ease of care, long blooming period, and attraction to pollinators make Geranium Raven a fantastic addition to any landscape, whether in garden beds, containers, or as a border plant. Add this striking variety to your garden for a year-round pop of color and texture.