Geranium sylvaticum Bridget Lion

The Perennial Geranium sylvaticum 'Bridget Lion', is adapted to the damp shade of the undergrowth. It is a large herbaceous perennial, a spreading small bush, which is illuminated by an abundant spring and summer flowering in shades of blue-violet. Resembling the perennial geranium of meadows, it is distinguished by its slightly less dissected foliage. Ideal in cool and shady areas of the garden, it is naturally resistant to severe winter cold, and tolerates heavy and humid soils.

Geranium sylvaticum 'Bridget Lion' belongs to the geranium family. It is a selection of the Wood Cranesbill, native to Europe. This large herbaceous perennial, very hardy, forms a bushy and spreading mass, reaching 60 cm (24in) when in bloom, with foliage reaching 50 cm (20in), and an overall spread of 60 cm (24in). Its growth is fairly rapid. In summer, from May to July, open trumpet-shaped flowers in a fresh and bright colour bloom. No clear markings disturb the intense blue-violet of the petals, and the anthers are dark blue, matching the corolla. Its large basal leaves are deeply dissected, borne on branching stems. The foliage is deciduous.

Perennial and vigorous, this variety thrives in shade, it enjoys coolness and self-seeds spontaneously in humus-rich soils, eventually forming magnificent colonies, spectacular in the undergrowth in spring. Combine it with golden foliage; Millium effusum 'Aureum', Carex elata 'Aurea', Carex oshimensis 'Evergold', the yellow-blue contrast is superb.