5 times a day (approximately), we are asked the following question: what is the most beautiful of the hardy geraniums?

Geranium 'Dragon Heart'

Geranium 'Dragon Heart' draws in the light and captures attention

For quite a few years now, since hardy geraniums have established themselves as the go-to solution in the garden (as groundcover, fillers, in window boxes, in the front of tall borders, and at the back of low borders...), Geranium 'Patricia' has been my number one hardy geranium. On the podium, in second place is 'Rozanne' and in third place is 'Orion'. Why is 'Patricia' in first place? Firstly, for its long, very long magenta flowering, but also and especially for its ease of cultivation.

Thanks to selections and other hybridizations, each year brings a whole host of new varieties. New colours, even more abundant flowering, compact habits... nearly a dozen varieties are born each year. Ultimately, we select just one or two, at most. But on rare occasions, we come across true gems. The latest: the hardy geranium 'Rozanne'  with its long, very long flowering and large flowers.

However, recently, a twist! The order has been shaken up by the arrival of Geranium 'Dragon Heart', a more than serious contender.

And lately, I can't stop admiring my border in full bloom!

Geranium 'Dragon Heart' scale showing the size of the flower

So, what does this Geranium have that the others don't?

1) The size of the flowers

Its flowers measure 6 cm in diameter, which is huge for a hardy geranium. 'Orion' had very large ones, but G. 'Dragon Heart' has gigantic ones.

2) Its colour

Its colour is also interesting. Close in colour to G. 'Patricia', the flowers are magenta but more intense and especially with a large black heart that highlights the contrasts.

3) Its long flowering and ease of cultivation

Finally, the duration of its flowering is comparable to that of G. 'Patricia', meaning it flowers from May until... the first frosts, and it has the same cultivation qualities as its little brothers; it loves the sun, tolerates partial shade very well, and grows in any fresh soil.

Collection of hardy geraniums From the smallest to the largest, G. robertianum (herb Robert), G. endressii, G. 'Patricia', G. pratense, G. 'Orion' and G. 'Dragon Heart'

As a good photo is worth a thousand words, I went this morning to pick some flowers to allow you to compare. They don't play in the same category; we have the featherweight on one side and the heavyweight on the other, with "Dragon Heart" clearly winning in the large flower category!