Earlier this year in the German town of Wittlich I noticed a Geranium species I had never seen before. The plants grew in a lawn together with Bellis perennis and other common species.
I asked the owner of the place whether he was cultivating the species as an ornamental plant. He said the plants had already been present when he had bought the house years ago. As he liked the species he did not prevent the spreading of the species.
The species was keyed out in Rothmaler vol. 5 as Geranium pylzowianum from China.
My question is whether my identification is correct and whether it was seen growing wild in Germany or elsewhere in Europe.
There's an elaborate description of G. pylzowianum online in the Flora of China. This species could occur in a German garden, because it is sold by specialist perennial nurseries. Are you sure it's not a cultivar or seedling of Geranium sanguineum? Or a hybrid like 'Tiny Monster'? Those are much more common in gardens.
Thank you very much, Margareth, for your comments.
After having looked at Chinese publications and pictures I changed my mind. The plants I found in Wittlich (Germany) cannot belong to the species Geranium pylzowianum.
I was not sure myself about a correct identification. That is why I asked here for confirmation.
Next year I shall be at Wittlich again and collect specimens. As you suggest Geranium sanguineum or a similar cultivar will turn out as correct.
Thanks again.
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