An easier and more accommodating plant I couldn't imagine. Flowering for long periods and often twice in one season, if cut back at the right time. They come in a wide colour range, from white, pink and blue through to purple, plus a wide variety of foliage too. There are small alpine geraniums, border geraniums, and even hardy annual geraniums. Some like shady places, others enjoy sunny hot spots, whilst many can also be grown in pots. They are reliable, easy to cultivate, requiring little upkeep and on the whole trouble free. Their use in the garden is almost limitless, associating well with other plants of all kinds. You can also easily propagate them by division in spring and spread them around the garden or to your friends.
We start with one of the largest for the border, G. psilostemon, a tall stately plant up to 4 feet in height. The flowers are also large, in a hot shade of magenta with a gorgeous black eye.
The leaves turn a brilliant flame-red in autumn. Often difficult to place because of it's size and fiery flowers. This is though, one geranium I wouldn't be without, its bold nature appealing to adventurous gardeners, happy in sun or half-shade.
Staying with the big boys, the phaeum group comes in shades of purple, blues and maroons. Most are early flowerers, liking a variety of situations. This group is probably the most popular cranesbill on account of its ability to grow in quite deep, dry shade and making first class ground cover. G. phaeum 'Mourning Widow' has the darkest flowers, a very dark maroon, nearly black, with a small white centre. G. phaeum 'Album' on the other hand, as the name suggests, is a particularly pure white with lovely golden stamens. This one helps to light up those shady corners.
Another phaeum that grows well in my garden is G. phaeum 'Lily Lovell'; this one has rich violet-blue flowers with light green foliage. All the phaeums have nodding flowers and do get tall, up to 30 inches or more.
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