Geranium ‘Brookside’ (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well drained soil
Flowering period: Summer
Eventual Height: 60cm
Eventual Spread: 90cm
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Geraniaceae
Geranium ‘Brookside’ is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its mid green leaves are deeply lobed, up to 12cm across and 12cm long. Its leaves turn red during autumn before dying. Its dark blue flowers have white centres, are saucer-shaped and borne singly.
Geranium ‘Brookside’ Flower (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Geranium ‘Brookside’, commonly known as Geranium Brookside, is a hybrid between Geranium clarkei and Geranium pratense. Geranium ‘Brookside’ is synonyms with Geranium pratense ‘Brookside’.
The etymological root of the binomial name Geranium is derived from the Greek geranos, meaning ‘crane’; referring to the beak-like fruit. Brookside was named after the administrative offices at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, where this hybrid was created.
The landscape architect may find Geranium ‘Brookside’ useful as an effective low maintenance ground cover, for areas in both full sun and partial shade. Consideration should be given to its deciduous nature.
Ecologically, Geranium ‘Brookside’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Geranium ‘Brookside’ Leaf (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
The Royal Horticultural Society gave Geranium ‘Brookside’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 2004.
Geranium ‘Brookside’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Geranium ‘Brookside’ requires little to no maintenance. Flowered stems and old foliage may be removed mid summer to encourage new growth. Large clumps may be divided in spring.