Geranium cantabrigiense Karmina

Geranium cantabrigiense 'Karmina' is an excellent perennial ground cover, distinguished by a beautiful flowering period from May to July that consists of numerous dark pink buds opening into carmine pink flowers, of a good size, which stand out well against its foliage of a rich olive green. It spreads slowly and forms a very pretty carpet, composed of aromatic leaves that take on a beautiful colour in autumn when crushed. Ideal in a natural garden, it is unaffected by competition from tree and shrub roots or the harsh winter cold, and tolerates summer heat.

Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Karmina', obtained in 1986 by German nurseryman Ernst Pagels, belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is a horticultural cultivar of the natural hybrid Geranium x cantabrigiense, derived from the Geranium dalmaticum of the Balkan coast and the G. macrorrhizum, a southern plant accustomed to dry summers. This hardy herbaceous perennial forms a carpet 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10in) high and spreads laterally thanks to its stolons over 50 to 80 cm (20 to 32in) wide. Its growth is rather slow. It produces countless flowers in late spring, from May to July depending on the climate, in open cups measuring 4 cm (2in) in diameter, of a carmine pink colour, punctuated by rose-purple stamens. The aromatic leaves, round and palmate, divided into lobes, generally persist during a typical winter. They are fairly dark green but vibrant during the season, then take on reddish tones in autumn and winter.

This perennial geranium adapts to almost all exposures but dislikes scorching sun, especially in hot climates. It is a ground cover plant for clear woodland undergrowth or edges that works wonders under deciduous bushes and at the base of hedges, on the not too shady side. Once well established, it is easy to care for and requires little maintenance. Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Karmina' will quickly add a colourful touch to perennial beds and elegantly emphasise the curve of a pathway. It will be welcome at the base of your precious plants, as it will not smother them but enhance them with its fuzzy foliage. It will also find its place on balconies, terraces, in flower boxes, borders, rockeries, and beds, where it will prove to be a faithful companion to columbines, Lamium, Epimedium, foxgloves, and bellflowers.