Three essential perennials to plant now

Geraniums

A wide-ranging and varied group of plants, including cranesbills, heronsbills and storksbills, in pinks, blues, lilacs and whites. They shouldn’t be regarded as border fillers as they have their own singular beauty planted in swathes or small clumps. Give them sun or shade.

Euphorbias

Evergreen or deciduous, all shapes and sizes, acid-green or hot orange, there’s a euphorbia for everyone. So easy to grow, needing negligible care and little or no pruning, euphorbias give far more than they take. Give them sun or partial shade.

Sedums

Stonecrops are real ‘doer’ plants that don’t ask for much. There are varying sizes and colours, from deep reds to zingy pinks, whites and vibrant greens, and though deciduous, they even give a solid winter presence if left alone. Trim back in spring to allow fresh stems to grow. Suits sun or partial shade.