Bloody Cranesbill 'Apfelblüte' - 6 pieces

The flowers of 'Apfelblüte' are reminiscent of the delicate blossom of an apple tree in spring. Fine, darker veins run across a light pink background. The plant flowers for months, with the blooms held densely above a low cushion of finely divided foliage.

At 20–30 cm tall, it belongs at border edges, in rock gardens, along paths and beside steps. It tolerates sun and drought well and copes with poor soil. Good partners are blue bellflowers, thyme, thrift or silvery cushion-forming perennials. The flowers open one after another, so new dots of colour keep appearing for weeks. It can also be grown in a large container, as long as the soil does not dry out.

Bees and hoverflies visit the flowers all summer. It is only of limited use in a vase. In the garden, however, it is long-lived and forms dense carpets over time. With its calm habit it links showier perennials and gives the bed a harmonious look. The plant's common name refers to the beak-shaped fruits that form after flowering.

Plant in spring, from March to May, or in autumn, in September and October. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and set the plant so that the crown sits just below the soil. Keep a spacing of 35–50 cm. Choose a sunny spot with free-draining soil. Water in thoroughly.

Water regularly during dry spells in the first summer; after that the cranesbill is undemanding. Compost in spring is all the feeding it needs. Cut the plant back to ground level after the first flush of flowers; it will then produce fresh growth and often flower a second time. It can be divided every three to five years.