Erodium absinthoides subsp. armenum 

 Allan Robinson, UK

    One of the most amazing and sought after perennial Erodiums is the blue form of E.absinthoides subsp. armenum. I am indebted to John Whittlesey of Canyon Creek Nursery in Northern California , whose knowledge and propagation skill enabled me to obtain a plant from him many years ago.

   This plant is very difficult to propagate, although in the past, I have managed to root a few cuttings. Division of the plant using a very sharp blade is possible, although mentally this is not an easy procedure when owning just one !

   According to literature this subspecies of E.absinthoides seems to be native to the Eastern end of Turkey and across the border into Armenia .In common with other Erodium species from this part of the world, plants are either Male or Female. My plant is male and unfortunately a female counterpart has eluded us.

   The colour range seems to be from pink through mauve to blue, the latter is obviously the most desirable. Photographing this plant accurately for colour is very difficult and usually the flowers appear to be “washed out” when downloaded to the computer. After viewing my photo, please visit the website,

“Van Florasi” -The Virtual Herbarium of the Lake Van Basin where there are a number of variations shown. Their blue form is well represented. This link should take you to the correct page to view their photographs which are easily enlarged

http://vanherbaryum.yyu.edu.tr/flora/famgenustur/gera/erodium/ar/index.htm

Photo  Allan Robinson