Geranium cantabrigiense Westray

The Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Westray' is a variety that exhibits particularly compact vegetation as well as early and abundant flowering in a very pretty bright pink. This sturdy little perennial ground cover does not disappoint in flowerbeds, and even in hanging baskets. The plant spreads slowly and develops rounded leaves that take on a beautiful bronze hue in autumn, aromatic when crushed. Its flowering is abundant in spring and can be renewed in summer in not too dry soil. Ideal for natural gardens, it tolerates summer heat.

Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Westray' belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is a horticultural selection by Alan Bremner (United Kingdom). This variety comes from a natural hybrid called Geranium x cantabrigiense. The parents of the latter are Geranium dalmaticum from the Balkan coasts and G. macrorrhizum, a southern plant accustomed to dry summers. 'Westray' is a moderately hardy herbaceous perennial, down to approximately -12 °C (10.4°F). It forms a compact carpet reaching 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10in) in height and spreads laterally thanks to its stolons, to approximately 40 cm (16in) in width. Its growth is quite slow. It produces countless small fragrant flowers in spring, in May-June, in open cups, pink in colour, punctuated by stamens and anthers of a deeper pink. The foliage releases a lemony scent when crushed. Composed of small round and palmate leaves, it has a beautiful vibrant green coloUr during the season and takes on a bronze hue in autumn and winter.

This Westray perennial geranium enjoys the sun but is sensitive to scorching exposures, especially in hot climates. This easy-to-care-for plant requires little maintenance. An excellent ground cover with beautiful robustness, it will quickly add a rustic and coloUrful touch to perennial flower beds and elegantly highlight the curve of a pathway. It will be welcome at the base of your precious plants, as it will not suffocate but rather enhance them with its fuzzy foliage. It will also find its place on balconies, terraces, flowerbeds, rockeries and borders, where it will prove to be a faithful companion to columbines, peonies, and bellflowers, for example.