Geranium pratense Femme Fatale

The Perennial Geranium 'Femme Fatale' is derived from Geranium pratense or meadow cranesbill. It forms an upright clump of deeply cut foliage, initially dark purple, turning to darker green as the season progresses and then changing to dark red in autumn. Clusters of bright flowers in a luminous mauve are produced above the foliage from spring to summer, around a white heart. Preferring rather calcareous and not too poor soils, it enjoys the sun under which it blooms more than in partial shade, especially if you take care to remove faded flowers as they appear. It resists drought and powdery mildew.

The meadow cranesbill 'Femme Fatale' belongs to the Geraniaceae family, which includes plants well known to gardeners such as Pelargoniums that adorn balconies, or Erodiums in rockeries. This one is a cultivar obtained from a cross between the 'Nimbus' and 'Victor Reiter' varieties. The Geranium genus offers a vast range for very diverse situations in the garden. The meadow cranesbill is a native plant that can be found in a large part of Eurasia, from France to Siberia. It thrives in sunny limestone meadows and slopes. It is not uncommon to come across it along country lanes, where the roadside verges are mown only once or twice a year. The plant forms a clump with a rather loose habit, with deeply cut leaves, reaching 45 cm in height by 30 cm wide. During flowering, between June and September, the stems sometimes rise to 70 cm.

Like many perennial Geraniums, 'Femme Fatale' is a robust and easy-to-grow plant, offering a long flowering period that brings a countryside touch to borders. It thrives in a not-too-dry, well-drained, preferably limestone soil in summer, and tolerates periods of drought once well established. By removing faded flowers in midsummer, you can encourage a new bloom. Pair it with plants with a soft and natural habit such as columbines, and field scabious. To add height, incorporate clumps of alliums like 'Purple Sensation' or foxgloves. Some grasses such as Stipa tenuifolia or Calamagrostis acutiflora bring lightness and movement. In partial shade, the combination with masterworts is also perfect.