Geranium himalayense - Himalayan Cranesbill

This perennial Himalayan geranium, also known as Himalayan cranesbill, bears deep blue-violet flowers in summer, and sporadically again in autumn, which turn pink-violet towards the centre, illuminated by a white heart. This vigorous plant forms beautiful dense and spreading cushions, with finely cut foliage and prominent veins. It makes excellent ground cover and is a charming plant, slowly spreading thanks to its underground rhizomes. It gracefully withstands winter cold and occasional drought, showing little fussiness over soil type.

The Himalayan geranium belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is native to the Himalayan mountains. It forms a wide and dense cushion, with a regular dome shape, reaching a height of 40 cm (16in) and a diameter of 50 cm (20in). Flowering begins at the end of May, peaks in June, continues into July, and slows down in August. From September to October, the flowers sporadically reappear, depending on the climate. The flowers, grouped in clusters, are round and open cups, measuring 5 cm (2in) in diameter, of a beautiful cornflower blue to blue-violet colour and a white heart surrounded by a pink-purple zone. The overall effect is fresh and bright. The deciduous foliage consists of large hairy leaves with prominent veins, medium green in colour, ranging from 5 to 20 cm (2 to 8in) long including the petiole. The plant has a specific root system, with a central and single taproot, and a few large fibrous secondary roots.

Like many of its relatives, the Himalayan cranesbill is well suited for natural gardens, providing a valuable food source for numerous insects such as butterflies, bees, and bumblebees. It is therefore an ideal plant for cottage gardens, rockeries, and borders. It also pairs well with old-fashioned roses and peonies. Combine it with a silvery carpet of snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum), and with creeping bugleweed with purple foliage - these simple plants will enhance its dome of flowers. It also grows well in large pots, with regular watering and fertilisation.