Geranium ‘Sandrine’

Yellow Spring Foliage and Summer-Long Blooms

This may remind you of the popular G. ‘Ann Folkard,’ but the blooms are TWICE as large.

Meet ‘Sandrine,’ the larger-flowered, longer-blooming French cousin of H. ‘Ann Folkard.’ Boasting a summer-long season, bright yellow spring foliage, and a creeping habit that fills in space beautifully in border or container, ‘Sandrine’ is one of the most exciting new Hardy Geranium cultivars in many a season, and we are delighted to make it available to you this season.

Bred in France, this lovely perennial offers the same intense shade of magenta as ‘Ann Folkard,’ starred with a black center that whiskers out a bit on the petals. But at 2 inches across, these blooms are twice the size of ‘Ann’s, and arise from early summer till fall. A magnificent performer, this plant is determined to bloom right through summer’s heat and humidity.

The foliage is fascinating on ‘Sandrine’ as well. It emerges bright yellow in spring, remaining this way for several weeks before acquiring green tones for summer and fall. Large, lobed, and notched, it makes quite a showing, especially in the Rose or perennial border, where other plants leaf out later and in typical green.

‘Sandrine’ is an especially good companion to Roses, other perennials, and shrubs because of its meandering habit. Never aggressive, it creeps around neighboring plants, covering bare soil and offering lovely contrast in leaf shape to most others. Spreading fully 3 feet wide, it is an effortless ground cover in full sun (in the northern portion of its range) to part shade (farther south and west). Be sure to grow at least one in a container as well, where the foliage spills over the sides.

Best in well-worked, rich, well-drained garden soil, ‘Sandrine’ is an exceptional addition to any garden. We urge you to make it part of your garden this season, for the promise of beauty for many years to come. Zones 4-8.