Geranium wlassovianum Crûg Farm

Geranium wlassovianum 'Crûg Farm' undergoes a truly dazzling transformation in autumn, composing a symphony of vibrant and rich hues, ranging from green to fiery red, as well as pink, greyish-purple, and orange. Its violet-blue flowers veined with purple are modest in size but bright, and its flowering can occur from summer to autumn on a vigorous plant. This reliable and very hardy plant is beautiful for a good part of the year. To fully enjoy it, plant it at the edge of a flower bed or in pots, in partial shade or in the sun, in moist soil.

Geranium wlassovianum, also known as Siberian Geranium, belongs to the Geraniaceae family and originates from the wet plains of Eastern Asia. It is a robust species with spreading stems, forming a wider than tall clump from spring onwards.

The 'Crûg Farm' variety, from which it originates, will reach a height of 30 to 40cm (12 to 16in) and a width of 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in). The foliage is composed of fuzzy, rounded, lobed leaves, with the lamina often maculated with purple-brown. Its colour evolves throughout the season, starting with a fairly deep green in spring, to take on sumptuous and varied hues in autumn. The flowers are small, measuring no more than 2cm (1in) in diameter. They are violet-blue and veined with purple. They are arranged in loose clusters. The flowering takes place from June to August and sometimes extends into autumn, attracting butterflies.

Although not widely used in our gardens, it is an extremely hardy plant. It is very reliable in our climates, especially in rather moist soil. It is perfect for ground cover in the edge of woodland, or planted in groups in sunny borders or rockeries, where it will beautifully decorate the landscape in autumn. For example, pair it with Thalictrum polygamum or Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, both wonderful ground covers in late season. Just avoid planting it in overly dry conditions, even though this variety particularly appreciates heat. It can also be used to create beautiful pot arrangements with hebes, blue veronicas, or silver cineraria and Brachyglottis greyi.