Geranium pratense Ilja

Plant in spring or autumn. This variety, like all other perennial geraniums, is not demanding in terms of its location and soil quality. It thrives in rather moist, humus-bearing, acidic or neutral soil. It can tolerate limestone. Geranium pratense enjoys sunny conditions that promote flowering, as well as partial shade. To plant it, prepare a hole in your soil that is 20cm (8in) in depth, crumble the soil well, and place a base amendment such as dried blood or dehydrated horn at the bottom of the hole. Position your plant, removed from its pot, and cover the top of the root ball with 3cm (1in) of soil. Fill in the hole and water generously to eliminate air pockets. During dry weather, water regularly for a few weeks to facilitate root establishment. From July to September, remove faded flowers and leaves to encourage new growth. If the foliage has not been affected by cold weather, cut back the large clumps every spring to keep them compact. You can also cut back after flowering and water well to encourage the plant to produce a tidy clump. Like all Geranium pratense varieties, 'Ilja' is a tall geranium that tends to flop over. Place it near spring-flowering perennials that have finished blooming, or between sturdy species that can support it.