Hardy Geranium 'Anne Thomson' - 5 pieces

CHF 39.95

Hardy Geranium 'Anne Thomson' - 5 pieces

Name: Hardy Geranium 'Anne Thomson' - 5 pieces
Brand: Geranium
Price: 39.95 CHF
Availability: OutOfStock

Geranium 'Anne Thomson'

CHF 39.95

Magenta-violet flowers with a black eye
Yellow-green new growth in spring
Flowers from June to September
Low-spreading, about 45–55 cm tall
More compact than the related 'Ann Folkard'

'Anne Thomson' combines two strong colours: in spring the foliage emerges yellow to yellow-green, and from June to September magenta-violet flowers with a dark, almost black eye glow above it. A compact, low-spreading hardy geranium for strong contrasts in the border.

About this variety

If you love strong colours, 'Anne Thomson' is an ideal hardy geranium. The flowers are intense magenta to purple-violet, finely veined in a dark shade, with a black blotch in the centre. In spring the foliage appears in a bright yellow-green, which heightens the contrast further. Depending on the year and the location, the leaf colour may be somewhat greener.

At 45–55 cm tall, the variety tends to grow outwards and weaves loosely between its neighbours. It suits the front of beds, borders and the front of mixed plantings. Silvery foliage, such as lamb's ear, or dark red daylilies are suitable partners. It is considered somewhat more compact and heat-tolerant than 'Ann Folkard'. The name cranesbill refers to the beak-shaped fruits that form after flowering.

Bees and bumblebees visit the open flowers all summer. It does not last long in the vase, but in the garden it flowers for months. As a long-lived perennial, it returns reliably every year. The foliage quickly covers the ground, keeping it moist and shaded.

Planting

Plant in spring, from March to May, or in autumn, in September and October. Dig a planting hole twice the size of the root ball and set the plant so that the root collar sits just below the soil surface. Keep a spacing of 40–50 cm. Water in thoroughly.

Care

Water in dry periods, especially in the first year. A little compost in spring is enough. Cut the plant back close to the ground after the first flush of flowers; it will then produce fresh growth and often flower a second time. You can divide large clumps every few years in spring or autumn.

Specifications

Botanical name: Geranium 'Anne Thomson'
Genus: Hardy geranium
Class: Various
Supplied as: Bare roots
Flower colour: Purple
Flower size: 3 cm
Flowering time: June, July, August, September
Flowering season: Early summer, High summer, Late summer and autumn
Foliage colour: Mid-green
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Habit: Bushy
Position: Sun, Partial shade
Suitable for: Bed, Bed edge and border, Pot and container, Rock garden, Wildlife garden and meadow, Woodland edge, Cottage garden
Soil type: Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Drainage: Well-drained
Soil moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil note: Suitable for many Swiss garden soils. A loose structure and good drainage matter more than a particular soil type.
Water needs: Medium
Planting time: March, April, May, September, October
Planting depth: Just cover the root collar
Spacing: 40–50 cm
Number per m²: 5
Hardiness in Switzerland: Hardy in Switzerland
Hardiness by location: Hardy, also at higher altitudes
Hardiness zone (USDA): 4–8
Overwintering note: Generally hardy in garden soil in Switzerland. At high, windy sites and in containers, plan extra winter protection and avoid winter wet.
For containers: Only partly suitable for containers
Container note: Only recommended in a sufficiently large, stable, well-drained container.
Cut flower: Partly suitable as a cut flower
Naturalising: Not suitable
Naturalising note: Persists for several years in a suitable spot, but does not normally spread over larger areas on its own.
For bees and butterflies: Pollinator-friendly
RHS hardiness: H7