Geranium endressii aka Endres Cranesbill

Geranium endressii is a perennial in the Geraniaceae family. Its common names include French cranesbill and Endres's cranesbill. It comes from the northwestern Pyrenees and grows in temperate climates. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. This plant forms leafy clumps with a low, spreading shape. Its foliage is semi-evergreen, rather than fully evergreen.

Plants reach about 1.5 feet [0.45 metres] in height. The RHS gives an upper garden height of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Mature clumps spread 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] across. They take two to five years to reach full size. The lobed leaves measure 0.2–0.26 feet [0.06–0.08 metres] across. Light pink flowers rise above the leafy clumps. Each bloom measures about 0.11 feet [0.035 metres] across. The petals have small notches at their tips. Chicago Botanic Garden records flowering from May through August. The flowers also attract butterflies to the garden.

Grow this cranesbill in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates shade, though the RHS prefers brighter sites. Use soil with moderate fertility and good drainage. Moist soil suits it, but avoid ground that stays waterlogged. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sandy soils. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit this plant. Chicago Botanic Garden lists moderate water needs. The RHS rates its cold hardiness as H7. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 4–7. It can grow in both exposed and sheltered sites.

Its spreading form suits ground cover and border planting. Use it in beds or beneath roses and shrubs. The RHS also lists banks and slopes as planting sites. It fits cottage gardens, informal gardens, and wildlife gardens. Courtyard gardens and patio containers offer other places to grow it. Remove spent flower stems and old leaves to prompt fresh growth. This can also encourage more flowers. Divide clumps in spring to make more plants. Another option is basal cuttings in early to mid-spring. The RHS recommends bottom heat to help those cuttings root.

Watch for vine weevils, sawflies, slugs, and snails. The RHS lists each as a possible pest. Powdery mildew and downy mildew may also affect plants. A virus is another possible disease problem.