Geranium oxonianum f. thurstonianum Southcombe Double

The fringed, bright carmine pink flowers of this Geranium x oxonianum Southcombe Double are quite unusual. Resembling small stars of certain asters, they open semi-double and then become single at the end of flowering. This hybrid perennial geranium is an excellent ground cover, particularly vigorous and floriferous. It is closely related to G. endressii, its parent, but its evergreen foliage is darker. It can eventually form mats of 60 cm (24in) in diameter. It thrives on rainwater in summer, loves full sun and tolerates well-drained soil.

The perennial geranium oxonianum 'Southcombe Double' belongs to the geranium family. It is the result of cross-breeding between G. endressii, a robust, deciduous, Pyrenean ground cover, and G. versicolor, a taller, evergreen Italian species that tolerates relative drought. This hybrid therefore forms a ground cover that is at least 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20in) tall, spreading up to 60 cm (24in) or more in optimal conditions. It has an upright, dense and spreading growth habit. Between June and September-October, it displays its small fringed flowers, initially semi-double and then single, in a beautiful bright pink shade with salmon undertones and a carmine pink heart. At the beginning and end of the season, the flowers may be single rather than double. Its leaves are plicate and deeply divided, with visible veins, embossed, lobed, and divided into five lobes. The foliage, a deep dark green, somewhat resembles that of the bloody cranesbill geranium. It is evergreen.

This perennial geranium is a large, easy-to-grow ground cover that is perfectly unique and will find its place in perennial or low shrub borders, on edges, slopes, rockeries, or in large pots on the terrace. It pairs easily with all kinds of accommodating perennial plants such as asters, catmints, sedums, or carnations.