Geranium traversii var. elegans Coombland White

The perennial Geranium Coombland White, subtle and generous, forms a widely spread cushion that tirelessly produces a profusion of flowers from spring to the doorstep of autumn, ranging from white-pink to almost white, around a small purple centre. They bloom on slightly hairy foliage, soft to the touch, of a somewhat greyish green, often marbled with bronze, which generally persists in winter. It never becomes invasive, but elegantly covers the ground, especially at the base of old or English roses or in a trough on the terrace. Although hardy, it requires well-drained soil to pass the winter serenely.  

The recently obtained Geranium Coombland White results from cross-breeding between Geranium lambertii Swansdown and Geranium traversii var. elegans - a union that has produced other very interesting cultivars such as the perennial geranium 'Joy', for example. From its parents it has inherited a certain fragility in relation to the cold, especially soils that are heavy and humid in winter. All these plants belong to the Geraniaceae family.

'Coombland White' has a large and widely spread dome-shaped habit, reaching  25 cm (10in) in height, with a minimum spread of 50 cm (20in), sometimes much more (up to 90 cm (35in)) if conditions allow. The flowering of this geranium is infinitely delicate and remarkably long-lasting, from May-June until October if the weather remains mild. The cup-shaped flowers, with 5 petals, measure 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter. At first bloom they are very pale pink. Over the hours they fade almost to white, but retain some small pink-violet veins converging towards a coloured heart of purple pink or dark red. The foliage remains in winter if within its hardiness zone  (to -12°C (10.4°F) in porous soil). It is composed of generally rounded leaves, strongly cut into toothed lobes, slightly fuzzy. Their colour is a matte grey-green marbled with bronze, which perfectly highlights the small bright flowers.   

The perennial Geranium Coombland White prefers sheltered situations and well-drained soils, but it will flower as generously in full sun as in partial shade. In regions where winter is not too severe, it is a problem-free plant that accompanies many perennials or bushes in the garden. However, its roots dislike cold wet soils in winter: in this case, it should be planted in a rockery or in a raised bed enriched with gravel. It covers the ground without suffocating it, forming pretty borders and beautiful carpets at the base of roses. It can also be planted above a wall, among aubrietas, violets, or campanula plants. It also has a great effect in a trough on the terrace or balcony, over which it will gracefully cascade.