Geranium cantabrigiense Cambridge

Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Cambridge' is an old variety from the botanical garden of the University of Cambridge, still appreciated for its beautiful magenta pink flowering and its vigour. It has a generous flowering in late spring and early summer, which rises from dense and low, very fresh, aromatic green foliage. The plant spreads moderately through rhizomes and thickens over time. The foliage takes on reddish tones in cold weather, and persists more or less in winter. A hardy, robust and undemanding geranium, ideal for bordering flower beds, used as ground cover or in pots on the terrace.

Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Cambridge' belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is a cultivar of the natural hybrid Geranium x cantabrigiense, itself derived from Geranium dalmaticum, native to the Balkan coasts, and Geranium macrorrhizum. 'Cambridge' is a herbaceous perennial plant with very low, spreading vegetation. This cultivar forms a 25 cm high cushion and spreads through its stolons over 35 to 45 cm wide. Its growth is moderately fast. Flowering begins in May-June, depending on the climate, and continues until July. Sometimes there is a second, lighter flowering in September-October. The flowers of this variety are a light magenta pink, adorned with long stamens of a darker pink, with a lighter base. The dense and aromatic foliage is composed of small round and palmate leaves. It persists if the winter is not too harsh. It is a beautiful bright light green in summer and takes on reddish tones in autumn and winter. This perennial geranium appreciates humus-bearing soil, not too dry, but well-drained.

Geranium cantabrigiense 'Cambridge' is a charming, robust, undemanding ground cover, happy in sun or partial shade. It will decorate the base of trees, colour the edges of a flower bed, and elegantly outline the curve of a path. This variety also fits well on balconies and terraces, in planters, borders, rockeries, and flower beds, where it will be a faithful companion to columbines, peonies and bell flowers. It also blends well with Gauras, with their light flowers. For a beautiful effect within 3 years, plan for 7 plants per square metre.