I’m very happy to say that that’s not at all the case with the Perennial Plant Association’s pick for 2015 Perennial Plant of the Year, Geranium x cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’.
Biokovo is a sturdy, easy-to-grow perennial with multiseason interest. In fact I like it so much that two years ago I planted 36 thumb pots (mini plants) of them. When I read that Biokovo was chosen I immediately went in search of old posts I’ve done about it and found nothing.
And that’s the thing about Biokovo: it’s a backup singer, but it’s the kind of backup singer who really belts out a tune and who is definitely good enough to be the lead, she just is more comfortable in the background.
|
| Wisconsin Master Gardener photo |
The diminutive blooms on Biokovo are the lightest shade of pink (some call them white but I see light pink) with bright pink stamens and are held 10 to 12 inches off the ground. The blooms start here in late spring and last a good amount of of time.
 |
| Several kinds of geraniums (including, I think, ‘Biokovo’) form a carpet in Linda and Mark’s garden that make other plants stand out. That hosta would be gorgeous no matter what, but set off against the geraniums, it is a showstopper.
Linda Brazill/Each Little World photo
|
What I really love about Biokovo is that it’s not a one-trick pony. When the blooms are gone the foliage creates a lush green mat provides great contrast for bright-colored foliage or bold-leaved plants. And when summer gives way to fall, the leaves change into a rainbow of colors. Since the foliage is almost evergreen, there is even some winter interest.
 |
| Wisconsin Master Gardener photo |
As for care, it’s about as easy as it gets. I have it planted in everything from almost full sun to dry part shade (a notoriously challenging place to grow anything) and it has done well. It spreads by rhizomes, but I consider it a mannerly spreader and somewhat less vigorous to the more common but similar (and slightly larger) Geranium macrorrhizum.
I just give it a light haircut in early spring to tidy it up and that’s it. I think you’d be hard pressed to fine an easier care perennial than that. It’s hardy in zones 4-8.
 |
| Linda Brazill/Each Little World photo |
I was first inspired to plant Biokovo after seeing Linda from Each Little World’s photos of vast swaths of perennial geraniums. It creates such a lush look along her paths.
I’ve been wooed into buying “plants of the year” before and not been impressed, but Biokovo is one I can happily say is a favorite of mine. I’m glad its distinction as the perennial of the year will help introduce it to more gardeners. I think it’s a keeper.
Biokovo blooms a little later than the macrorrhizums and is a bit smaller but equally hardy. Have rarely met a Geranium I don't like.
I'm a huge fan of perennial geraniums! Thanks for showing us this awesome variety! I have a shade garden that could use some of these!
I'll keep my eye out for these — thanks for the tip! -Beth
I'm wondering how it would do here in the hot and humid South? In shade, of course. I'll investigate, although I'm running out of room in my gardens!
I think I'm totally unfamiliar with this plant! Looks like a really good filler for a spot I have a need for dense filler.
Thanks for the tip! I'll have to keep my eye out for it – I have a semi-shade garden spot I've been working on & I think this might be perfect!
I love this plant! I love how tough and hard to kill it is! It's been around forever so I'm glad it's finally getting the attention it deserves.