Geranium oxonianum Claridge Druce

The Oxfordshire Perennial Geranium 'Claridge Druce' is an old variety that is particularly vigorous. It grows without care, forming robust clumps of nearly 1 square meter in rich and fresh soils. Its silky pink flowers finely veined with carmine, bloom all summer long on a dense, gray-green foliage that is pleasantly glossy and evergreen. Since this hybrid is not sterile, it spreads quite easily in the garden, sometimes becoming a bit "overgrown". However, the clumps can be easily moved and never become a nuisance. Thriving on rainwater in the summer, it loves full sun and can tolerate any well-drained soil. Generous and prolific!

The Oxfordshire Perennial Geranium 'Claridge Druce', introduced in 1900, belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is the result of cross-breeding between G. endressii, a robust, deciduous, Pyrenean ground cover, and G. versicolor, a taller, evergreen Italian variety that tolerates relative drought. This hybrid therefore forms a ground cover that is at least 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in) high, spreading over 60 cm (24in), or even more in optimal conditions. It has an upright, very dense and spreading growth habit. It displays its small, open cup-shaped flowers in May-June and July-August, in a tender fresh pink color, with a network of fine carmine veins. Its leaves, 4 to 5 cm (2in) wide, are deeply lobed and deeply cut, with visible veins, divided into five lobes. The foliage, a glossy gray-green, slightly bluish in the hollows of the lobes, is evergreen. This variety self-seeds abundantly and faithfully at the base.

This perennial geranium is a large, easy-to-grow ground cover that is perfectly exuberant. It will find its place in perennial or low shrub borders, along edges, on slopes, in rock gardens, or in large pots on the terrace. It easily pairs with all kinds of accommodating perennial plants such as asters, catmints, sedums, or carnations. It also pairs well with old roses like 'Deuil de Paul Fontaine' or 'Tuscany Superb'.