Geranium pratense Mrs Kendall Clark

The Geranium pratense 'Mrs Kendall Clark' should be planted during spring or autumn. This variety, like all other perennial geraniums, is not demanding in terms of location and soil quality. It thrives in a rather moist, humus-bearing, acidic or neutral soil. It can tolerate limestone. The Geranium Pratense prefers sunlight, which promotes flowering, or partial shade. Prepare the soil in a 20 cm (8in) cube by crumbling the earth and placing a base amendment such as dried blood or dehydrated horn at the bottom of the planting hole. Position your plant, removed from its pot, covering the top of the root ball with 3 cm (1in) of soil. Fill in the hole and water generously to eliminate any air pockets. In dry weather, regular watering is necessary for a few weeks to facilitate root establishment.

From August to September, remove faded flowers and leaves to encourage new blooms. If the foliage has not been affected by cold weather, trim the large clumps every spring to keep them compact. Trimming can also be done after flowering, followed by thorough watering to encourage the plant to produce a neat clump. Like all Geranium Pratense, 'Mrs Kendall Clark' is a tall geranium that tends to flop over. Place it near spring-flowering perennials that have finished blooming or between sturdy species that can provide support.