Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
What a breath of fresh air! The dreamy extra-large blooms of Geranium 'Alaska Rivers' also known as Geranium himalayense 'Derrick Cook' feature delicate purple veins that snake out across the pure white petals, like rivers through snow. With neat mounds of fresh green, palmate leaves, and an exceptionally long flowering period—this cranesbill really is something special, truly deserving of a place in your garden. Try pairing this beauty with Salvia 'Amethyst' and Astrantia 'Snow Star', to pick up those violet and white tones for a sublime combination that brings cool, crystalline vibes to the heat of summer.
Geranium are native to Alaska, and this gives a clue to exactly how hardy and robust these tough cookies are. Tolerant of exposed sites and happy to grow in any weather conditions, provided they have a reasonably well-drained soil—you can be sure that the hardy perennial Geranium himalayense 'Alaska Rivers' will remain a key part of your display for many years to come.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Geranium himalayense 'Alaska Rivers'syn. 'Derrick Cook'
- Flower colour
- White, purple
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 50-70cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Spreading
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 5 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- No
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Dry - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Borders
Gravel gardens
Cottage gardens
Wildlife gardens
Large containers
Coastal gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Pollinator-friendly
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Drought tolerant
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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Geranium 'Alaska Rivers' reviews
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