Geranium pratense Splish-Splash Seeds

The perennial Geranium pratense 'Splish-splash' is an exceptional variety of geranium. With its unique and delightful flowering, this robust perennial plant has the advantage of faithfully multiplying through sowing. In early summer, it bears a multitude of randomly variegated and striated blue-mauve flowers on a white background, forming a loose and opulent mass of flowers that bends under rain showers and rises even more charmingly. It is a reliable and versatile plant with a rural character. It will find its place in all gardens, in moist and rich soil.

Geranium pratense belongs to the Geraniaceae family. Its origins are uncertain, but it is distributed over a vast territory, from western Europe to western China. This robust species is found in wet meadows, along roadsides, and in mowed meadows. The cultivar 'Splish-splash' was selected for its unusual flowering. It is an herbaceous perennial plant that has a loose, bushy habit, reaching a height and width of about 50cm (20in). Flowering occurs in June-July, more or less early depending on the regions. The flowers bloom at the top of branched and hairy stems. It sometimes flowers again in September. Its flowers, with a diameter of about 3cm (1in), are all different, but they all delicately combine white and pastel blue-mauve. The darker anthers stand out well from the heart of the flower. This flowering is melliferous and nectariferous. The foliage is deciduous, and the above-ground vegetation dies down in winter. It consists of large polygonal, lobed and dentate leaves, measuring 20cm (8in) long. They appear almost all the way along the robust and hairy stems. The medium green foliage sometimes takes on a beautiful bronzed hue in autumn.

Like many other perennial geranium species, Geranium pratense and its varieties thrive in a nature-friendly garden. They are superb plants, providing nectar and pollen for many insects such as butterflies, bees, bumblebees, etc. Ideal for a well-maintained garden, this perennial has its place in flower beds, along pathways, and on embankments. 'Splish-splash' will prove to be a faithful companion for columbines, peonies, lupins, bellflowers, poppies, and other large daisies. Plant it near your romantic roses, with catmints, for example. Easily create a delightful scene by combining this geranium with orange avens (Geum 'Mai Tai') and common lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis).