Geranium cantabrigiense Biokovo

Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Biokovo' is an excellent ground cover plant discovered fortuitously in 1990 in the Biokovo mountains in Croatia. It spreads slowly and forms a beautiful low evergreen carpet, composed of round and aromatic leaves that turn a lovely red colour in autumn. Its fragrant flowering is long and abundant, with adorable small white flowers tinged with pink. Ideal for natural gardens. It is not afraid of severe winter cold and can withstand summer heat.

Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Biokovo' belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is a spontaneous cultivar of the natural hybrid Geranium x cantabrigiense, derived from Geranium dalmaticum from the Balkan coast and Geranium macrorrhizum, a southern plant accustomed to dry summers. This hardy herbaceous perennial forms a carpet 15 to 25cm (6 to 10in) tall and spreads laterally thanks to its stolons, reaching a width of 50 to 80cm (20 to 32in). Its growth is quite slow. It blooms in late spring, from May-June to July-August depending on the climate, with countless fragrant flowers in pale-pink open cups washed with white at the centre, punctuated by stamens and brighter pink anthers. The aromatic, round, palmate, compound, evergreen foliage displays beautiful bright green shades during the season. It takes on reddish tones in autumn and winter.

This perennial geranium appreciates the sun but is sensitive to scorching exposures, especially in hot climates. This easy-to-grow plant requires little maintenance. Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Biokovo' is an excellent ground cover plant. It is highly robust, and is suitable for any type of soil, even in partial shade. It will quickly add a colourful touch to perennial beds and elegantly highlight the curve of a pathway. It will be welcome at the base of plants, as it won't smother them but will enhance them with its fuzzy foliage. It will also find its place on balconies, patios, in containers, in a border, in rockeries, and in flower beds, where it will be a faithful companion to columbines, peonies, and bellflowers.