Geranium cinereum Carol

The perennial Geranium cinereum Carol is planted during spring or autumn. This variety, like all other perennial geraniums, is undemanding in terms of location and soil quality. It can be placed in any fertile soil that is well-drained but not waterlogged. It tolerates limestone. Geranium cinereum thrives in the sun, which promotes flowering, or in partial shade. At planting, work the ground in a hole 20 cm (8in) wide and deep, crumbling the soil well and adding a base amendment such as dried blood or crushed horn at the bottom of the planting hole. Position your plant, freed from its pot, and cover the top of the root ball with 3 cm (1in) of soil. Fill in the hole and water generously to eliminate air pockets. Space the plants 30 cm (12in) apart.

If  planted during dry weather, regular watering is necessary for a few weeks to facilitate root establishment, even though it requires little moisture in summer. Water sparingly in winter. From July to September, remove faded flowers and leaves to encourage new growth. If the foliage has not been affected by cold weather, cut back large clumps every spring to keep them compact and promote the arrival of new vegetation. It is also possible to cut back after flowering, watering thoroughly afterwards, to encourage the plant to produce a neat clump.