'Dark Reiter' geranium (Geranium pratense 'Dark Reiter') jer-AY-nee-um prah-TEN-see Genus:  Geranium 'Dark Reiter', a fairly new cultivar, has a short mounded habit and dissected dark leaves. Bright lilac-blue blossoms appear in spring, and trimming the plant back after flowering encourages more blooms in fall and helps maintain its neat habit. 'Dark Reiter' is slow growing, making it perfect for a rock garden. Like many other geraniums, it does not appeal to deer. Pair silver-toned foliage plants with 'Dark Reiter' for a stunning effect. -Teresa Smith, Regional Picks: Northeast, Fine Gardening issue #120 Noteworthy Characteristics:  Dissected burgundy-tinged leaves and springtime blue flowers. Good for rock gardens. Care:  Provide full sun to partial shade and well-drained acidic soil. Trim back after flowering. Propagation:  Divide in spring. Problems:  Mildews, gray mold, leaf spots, leaf miners, slugs, bacterial blight.

Overview

Height 6 in. to 12 in. Spread 6 in. to 12 in. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Slow Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Early Spring, Late Spring, Spring Flower Color Blue Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage Uses Beds and Borders, Container Style Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant Type Perennials