Breeder Special

This month (August) we focus on the latest news from Must Have Perennials and their Geranium wallichianum 'Hexham Velvet'. 

Geranium wallichianum 'Hexham Velvet' is from the UK Hardy Geranium breeders Robin Moss and Cyril Foster. They have been breeding and selecting hardy Geraniums in the county of Northumberland, England for more than 30 years and have introduced many named cultivars.

First Seen in 2005

Paul Gooderham of Must Have Perennials first saw this plant back in 2005 in their trial beds. He liked the upward facing satin-pink flowers and the attractively mottled foliage. It was taken into trials, where its low growing habit and satin pink flowers continued to impress.

Its qualities are good for borders, use as a ground cover, and it also makes an impressive patio plant as a stand alone or in combination.

Tissue Culture Aids Commercial Trials

Geranium wallichianum does not propagate well from cuttings and to produce large numbers by division would take too long. So, from that single plant in 2008 trials and comparisons were accomplished and the decision was made to move forward with commercial trails via tissue culture.

It took a while to get good multiplication rates established but once this was achieved, true to type trials were completed. Samples were then supplied to various licensed growers who trialled plants in UK, EU, and North America, and plants were also supplied to gardens and universities.

Bred in & Named Hexham!

Geranium wallichianum ‘Hexham Velvet’ is named for the market town of Hexham, Northumberland, England. It is now available in the UK, Europe, and North America. 

You can find more information at https://www.musthaveperennials.com/