Geranium pratense Else Lacey

Geranium pratense 'Else Lacey' is a perennial geranium with delicate pale mauve double flowers throughout the summer. It forms an upright and robust clump with finely cut leaves, a bit wild, which perfectly brightens up cottage garden flowerbeds and meadows. Suitable for alkaline, not too poor soils, it appreciates the sun (where it will flower more than in partial shade).

The meadow cranesbill 'Else Lacey' belongs to the Geraniaceae family, which includes well-known gardeners' favourites such as Pelargoniums to decorate balconies, or Erodiums for rockeries. But it is the Geranium genus that offers the widest range for various situations in the garden. Meadow cranesbill is native to a large part of Eurasia, from France to Siberia. It prefers sunny limestone meadows and slopes. It is not uncommon to come across it along country paths where verges are only mowed once or twice a year. The plant forms a rather loose clump, with deeply dissected leaves, reaching about 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20in) in all directions. During flowering, between June and September, the stems sometimes rise up to 80 cm (32in). The foliage often turns orange-red in autumn.

The 'Else Lacey' variety is characterised by pale mauve-lilac double or semi-double flowers, with a darker violet-mauve centre. It reaches about 60 cm (24in) in height and 40 cm (16in) in width. As with many double flowers, self-seeding is quite limited with this variety.

Rugged and undemanding, Geranium pratense 'Else Lacey' will easily earn its place in the garden, especially in flowerbeds with a romantic and slightly wild atmosphere, where its discreet charm will bring an undeniable touch of lightness. To keep it happy simply choose a well-drained soil, preferably alkaline, that does not dry out too much in summer - though the plant is capable of withstanding dry periods once established. Partial shade is tolerated, but flowering will be less abundant. In midsummer you can remove faded inflorescences to promote a second bloom.

This geranium will be easy to combine with other wildflowers such as columbines, field scabious, or bistort, but also with bulbs, for example 'Purple Sensation' garlic or Galtonia candicans.