Geranium pyr. 'Bill Wallis'
13/04/2008Geranium pyrenaicium ‘Bill Wallis’ starts into vigorous growth soon as it flowers very early, and never fails to delight me. It develops into a 12” mound of small rounded leaves, and flowering stems increasing as it flowers, up to 15” long. Some prostrate, but the whole becomes a sparkling cloud of pretty, bright purple flowers, often insinuating themselves into surrounding plants. It seeds readily, especially into the gravel but is not a nuisance, and I am very pleased to see them. Unwanted ones are soon removed, or, as I have done today, repositioned some and potted others up. Do this when seedlings are small, and tuck pots into a cold frame, or a sheltered corner for a week or two until they have taken hold. It is evergreen and tough and some will over winter with their evergreen leaves. Like so many generous plants, they are best when young and I expect to cut back or pull most out by mid summer when they have exhausted themselves, because I know that there will be some young ones coming on, here and there, as the weather gets cooler. I hope never to be without it in the garden.
