Geranium renardii Zetterlund

The Perennial Geranium renardii 'Zetterlund', also known as Fox Geranium, forms a small, fluffy and regular cushion of round and pleated sage-green leaves, very attractive. In early summer, its flowers appear with pale mauve petals, strongly veined with aubergine violet. It is an undemanding plant with interesting foliage all year round. Impeccable in all circumstances, it will thrive in all exposures, content with poor soil, even occasionally dry.

The Perennial Geranium renardii Zetterlund belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It comes from Geranium renardii, native to the Caucasus, in an area that covers Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Iran, mainly cultivated for its amazing foliage and adaptability to various situations. 'Zetterlund' forms a cushion of evergreen foliage, 35 cm (14in) tall when in flower, and 40 cm (0 and 16in) wide. It has a dense and well-ordered habit. The lobed leaves, circular in shape, range between green and grey. Their texture is pleasant to the touch, wrinkled on the top and velvety on the underside. It is common for the foliage to take on a lovely orange hue in autumn. The flowering takes place in May-June-July depending on the climate. The flower measures 3 cm (1in) in diameter, but it is subtly coloured in very pale mauve, with petals barely touching, strongly veined in dark violet, and the centre is crowned with dark pink stamens. The flowers are quite few, arranged in clusters along thin floral stems that stand out distinctly from the foliage. The flowering is melliferous and nectariferous.

Geranium renardii Zetterlund does not exhibit a garish and spectacular flowering as its flowers are quite few. However, its foliage does not go unnoticed when other perennials are in their resting period. This plant adapts to the sun, partial shade, and even shade. For this reason, it can be installed in a rock garden, on a wall or in borders to fully enjoy its beautiful foliage. It is interesting for its foliage that fills shaded corners nicely. For example, it will thrive at the base of flowering shrubs such as spireas, lilacs, deutzias or coronillas. In woodland, it is a good companion for acid-green euphorbias and pastel-toned lungworts. In summary, this perennial has its place in all gardens, even by the sea, even in dry gardens, or simply in pots for balconies and terraces, associated with other perennial geraniums.