This macrorrhizum Geranium grows on you after a while. The flowers may not be knock out but nevertheless on closer inspection they are indeed very pretty. An absolute knock out for ground cover and after a few years weeds will be pretty well smothered out. The leaves are extremely aromatic and can be dried and used for potpourri.
It just borders on being evergreen, even here in Aberdeen. In late Autumn the leaves turn red and in severe Winters when most of the leaves may be lost some of the rhizomes will be visible on the surface of the ground. Just leave well be, don’t be tempted to start pulling at the rhizomes, come early Spring all will be covered beautifully with fresh green leaves and looking very lush, the pale pink flowers will be abundant in late Spring and early Summer. Received the RHS award of garden merit.
Plant in moderately fertile soil that is free draining, grows well in alkaline or acidic soil. Performance is best in a semi shaded position but will grow in full sun or full shade.
Another very similar variety which we have in our woodland area is macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’ this one is planted along side Ingwersens and the only difference is, the flowers are a deeper lilac shade.
Height – 30cm
Width – Will spread up to 1mtr in a couple of years
Hardiness – Fully hardy
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A few areas of the garden which I think were looking not too bad in late July.
We planted up this Heather bed last Autumn, requires a little time to mature.
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Beside the wee garden pond
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Picture from our living room window, Begonia Helen Harmes in the containers.
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Box Topiary at the patio doors adds a finishing touch.
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Love it or hate it, there is no denying the Royal Renaissance Begonia Flamboyant grabs the attention of most people.
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We visited The Mains of Drum Garden Centre which opened a couple of years ago, situated on Royal Deeside about fourteen miles from our place. It was one of those warm sunny days in late July which have been few and far between this Summer. A very pleasant day out and very nice lunch in their restaurant. Very much worthy of a visit if you are in the area. I would say that they are targeting the well heeled, be prepared to dig deep.
No Myra this isn’t your new house.
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Japanese ornamental features, beautiful, blingy and expensive.
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This Yew topiary cloud is magnificent, Myra hangs her head in disappointment. The price tag £2500, something like 4000 Us Dollars. Must have taken many years to create this specimen.
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The grounds and beyond on leaving this very special place.
© 2011, Alistair. All rights reserved.
Enjoy your time off and if Myra has her eye on that house, well… love your heather bed, it does not grow well here.
Thanks Donna, I will take Myra back for another look.
I loved the close-ups of the geraniums, wonderful photography! I grow a few of them, and love them even if the flowers are not very showy. Your heather bed looks wonderful, I am looking forward to seeing pictures of it all filled in and blooming.
That topiary… $4000? That’s probably the most expensive plant I have ever seen. I tend to spend $4.50 at a time on my little purchases at the nursery…
Yes Masha, 4.50 seems expensive enough.
I’ve still not made up my mind whether I like the smell of macrorrhizum leaves – the scent is certainly strong! Great groundcover though, I have the white one. Good to see you had a daytrip in sunshine. The cloud topiary is beautiful, not something I would have the patience to do myself, and certainly can’t afford to buy it!
The topiary is also out of our reach Janet.
Your gardens are very pretty. Is that astilbe in the Wee Garden Pond? (love that name!) It’s fabulous!
Holley the white flowers are Astilbe and the pink is Filipendula.
looks like you may be moving a few plants when the heather bed matures?
Yes Greggo, something which I will have to do. We do have a habit of planting for the present.
Re: Geraniums – Your photos make them look knock-out.
Re: Heathers – I’m still mastering how far to space plants apart. I’m constantly moving them around.
Something I have never fully mastered b a g
this is one geranium that spreads and thrives even in my poor soil . Have never cut it back. I would like to add the complementary ‘Bevan’s Variety’ so thanks for that Alistair. Your fiery Begonias are still marvellous but like them best in the terracotta pot. How beautiful is the shot of the pond area
Yes Laura the red Flamboyant does suit the terracotta pots.
The garden is looking lovely Alistair! In your Heather bed, is that a Celmisia in the corner? If it is that’s an impressive size and would love to have one that big at least
Mark/Gaz yes it is celmisia, we have a more mature specimen in the main area of the back garden, they do seem to thrive here, must like cool weather.
Hi Alastair, the photo of the dark red begonias with everything else dark green and symmetrical is fabulous. The yew topiary is magnificent but even if I had the money I don’t think I would want it. I would be too anxious in case it died to enjoy it I think. cheers, catmint
Catmint, Yew is as hardy as old boots over here.
Alistair, i love this geranium and sell a lot of it at my nursery. It has the habit of a little shrub. Carolyn
Hi Alistair, I have this little geranium and value it for the deeply shaded back garden where it does just fine, while other varieties geraniums might not. My only complaint ( and it is a minor one) is that it flourishes just a bit too well. When It spreads to far, it is easily curtailed. I did not know that it makes good potpourri- interesting! I hope you have a wonderful vacation.
It does indeed spread Jennifer.
Your garden looks wonderful. So glad you didn’t go in for the tight shots and stayed with the larger view. I enjoyed looking at the photos of your pond, patio and living room view.
Thanks Bom, I will probably continue with a mix of shots.
lovely geranium and the garden looks lovely…hope you had a nice time away…just getting around to blogs again..take care
Alistair your yard is so lovely, and you always take us on tour to the most picturesque places! Your perennial geraniums are similar to some a friend just gave us from her garden! Are yours fragrant?
Cathy recently posted..August in the Garden ~ GBBD for August 15, 2011
Yes Cathy, very fragrant foliage.