Geranium sanguineum 'Elke'

Perennial of the Geraniaceae family, this cultivar is a selection of Geranium sanguineum, a species native to Europe and Western Asia, which naturally grows on dry lawns, woodland edges, and limestone screes. 'Elke' was selected in the Netherlands and introduced into horticultural commerce in the 1990s; it received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

It forms a spreading and compact clump of 20 to 30 cm, with foliage deeply cut into narrow segments, dark green, taking on reddish hues in autumn.

The flowers are solitary, a bright pink to deep magenta, with five broad and rounded petals, slightly wavy at the edges. Its hue is one of the most intense known in the group of sanguineum with pink flowers, without veering towards mauve or lilac. A large pure white eye in the center, surrounded by dark pink veins radiating towards the periphery, creates a very sharp contrast. The stamens with cream anthers and the bright red style complete this luminous center. The flowers noticeably fade as they age, turning to a softer pink.

In its natural habitat, the species blooms from June to August. In cultivation, 'Elke' blooms generously over the same period, with a possible resurgence if the plant is cut back after the first wave.

Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, even poor and dry. Excellent plant for rock gardens, walls, or borders.