Geranium maculatum 'Espresso' (Spotted Cranesbill)

Geranium maculatum 'Espresso' is a cultivar of spotted cranesbill, a native perennial wildflower that grows in mounds up to two feet tall and wide, and that produces profuse numbers of pale pink-purple flowers in the late spring and early summer. The 'Espresso' cultivar is a chocolate leaved variety, noted for the purplish-brown hues of its normally green, palmate foliage.

Geranium maculatum performs best in well-drained, humusy soil in full sun to part shade, although foliage may yellow in direct sun if underwatered. The common name of spotted cranesbill originates from the plant's seed pods, which are produced after flowering in mid summer, and somewhat resemble the head of a crane or large bird. 'Espresso' is a great choice for naturalizing and grows well in a variety of settings.