Geranium Ann Folkard Patricia Sandrine

The Sandrine Perennial Geranium is a cultivar obtained through cross-breeding between two famous Geraniums that have proven themselves; the Ann Folkard Perennial Geranium and the Patricia Perennial Geranium. It produces large cup-shaped flowers, a rich magenta color veined with black, and a black heart, similar to 'Ann Folkard' but larger. These flowers are well-contrasted with the beautifully-cut foliage, which starts off in lemon yellow and then turns light green. It blooms continuously from early summer to autumn on a bushy, medium-sized plant.

The perennial geranium belongs to the Geraniaceae family. "Sandrine" is a hybrid obtained in France by Sandrine and Thierry Delabroye. This excellent and vigorous ground cover with semi-evergreen foliage forms a bushy clump that reaches 60 cm (24in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in width at maturity. Its well-cut, palmate, veined leaves start off pale and bright yellow, like lemon, before turning into a soft green. Decorative and contrasting, they provide a beautiful contrast with the flowering. It blooms generously and continuously from June to October, as long as the faded flowers are regularly pruned. The numerous round and open flowers, measuring 4 cm (2in) in diameter, are a bright magenta pink with a black heart.

Plant the Patricia geranium in well-drained, slightly moist to dry soil, in full sun or partial shade. Its light foliage and endless flowering, as well as its low cultural requirements, make it a popular perennial in flower beds, often associated with bush roses or astrantias in romantic settings. For colorful mixed borders that require little maintenance, consider adding salvias, nepetas, or echinaceas.