Perennial of the Geraniaceae family, Geranium incanum is native to South Africa, mainly from the coastal regions and the Cape fynbos, where it grows on rocky slopes, maritime cliffs, and well-drained sandy soils, in full exposure.
It forms dense and spreading carpets, 20 to 30 cm in height, remarkable for its very finely cut, almost filiform foliage, bright green to slightly silvery on the underside. This woolly and delicate texture, evoking a vegetal lace, is the most singular trait of the species and earns it its epithet incanum, which refers to the grayish or whitish appearance of the foliage.
The flowers, a vivid and bright magenta to pink-purple, are abundantly borne on fine peduncles above the foliage. The floral buds, white and swollen, contrast nicely with the open flowers.
In its natural habitat, its flowering is almost continuous throughout the year. In cultivation under temperate climates, it mainly extends from May to October.
It requires a very well-drained, light soil, in full sun, and does not tolerate excess winter moisture. Its hardiness is limited, around -8 to -10 °C, which reserves it for regions with mild winters or for cultivation in a sheltered and very draining situation.