Geranium himalayense

This resilient perennial is a cottage garden staple and is ideal for filling gaps in front of herbaceous borders. Cranesbills are well-known as excellent ground cover plants, but this one is incredibly beneficial because it tolerates shady areas well. The lobed foliage provides a lovely background for the purple-blue flowers, which bloom in the main flush in early summer and then sporadically until autumn. Geranium himalayense puts on a final show of lively red foliage as autumn approaches. Height: 45cm (18). Spread: 60cm (24).