Geranium maculatum Vickie Lynn

The Perennial Geranium maculatum Vickie Lynn is a variety that charms with its floribundity and its pretty dense cushion habit. Numerous tenderly colored pink-purple flowers bloom on this small, bushy plant for over 2 months. This variety develops a very beautiful bright green foliage, which becomes brilliant under the effect of cold, towards the end of the season. Plant this geranium in full sun or partial shade, along pathways or as a border plant. Hardy, it is easily grown in any good, moisture-retaining garden soil.

The 'Vickie Lynn' Geranium belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is a horticultural selection derived from the Geranium maculatum, a botanical species native to high-altitude woodlands in Canada and the southeastern United States. In nature, it is often found in damp areas where it forms beautiful colonies. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with a rhizomatous rootstock, whose above-ground vegetation disappears in winter and reappears in spring. This geranium has a dense, rather erect, well-branched dome habit, reaching about 35 cm (14in) in height, with a spread of 40 cm (16in). This variety has a long flowering period, generally starting in May-June and continuing until July-August, depending on the region. Above the foliage, floral stems rise, each bearing 3 to 8 flowers. The cup-shaped flowers measure 3 cm (1in) in diameter and are adorned with a pastel color between pink and mauve. They are traversed by discreet veins of light violet. The foliage consists of large, wide, highly decorative, slightly hairy leaves, divided into 5 to 7 dentate lobes. They have a bright green color that enhances the flowers and turn bright red in autumn.

The Perennial Geranium 'Vickie Lynn' is ideal as a border plant or in flower beds. It is also a lovely plant for dressing up a slightly moist and gently sunny slope or rockery. In semi-shaded areas, it will thrive alongside Campanula 'Burghaltii', Pulmonaria 'Diane Claire' with its silver foliage. It can also be paired with corydalis, Chiastophyllum oppositifolium or Chrysogonum virginianum. It likes to nestle under the branches of low, deciduous shrubs, where it is never suffocating. Perennial geraniums, like nepetas, are good companions for roses, as they dress up the base of the plant.