SPOILED FOR CHOICE

There are more than 400 species of hardy geranium, offering a wide range of colours, flowering seasons, foliage, size and shape. Here are some of the variations:

Geranium sanguineum – This small-leaved British native can be found growing wild in grassland, its magenta flowers and brownish-red flower stalks standing out in the landscape. Flowers from June to August. Height 8in (20cm).

Geranium sylvaticum ‘Amy Doncaster’ – One of the most striking blue-flowered hardy geraniums, it has a pretty white ‘eye’ in the centre of the flower, helping the flowers stand out. Good for full shade. Flowers from May to June. Height 2ft (60cm).

Geranium cantabrigiense ‘Crystal Rose’ – A compact, short-growing evergreen variety, with scented foliage and dainty cerise-pink flowers. It grows well in sun or partial shade and is perfect for edging a border. Flowers from May to July. Height 8in (20cm).

Geranium wallachianum ‘Crystal Lake’ – An exquisite flower; palest lilac, with gorgeous purple striping on crisply shaped petals. A sprawling plant, spreading to 2ft (60cm), it is very free-flowering once established. Best in part shade. Flowers from July to October. Height 18in (45cm).

Geranium nodosum ‘Clos du Coudray’ – A plant of contrasts, with small violet flowers edged with white, among large, glossy maple-like leaves. A compact plant, it is good for growing in shade. Flowers from June to July. Height 12in (30cm).

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersen’s Variety’ – A vigorous semi-evergreen, spreading variety, with soft pink flowers, dark red buds and large scented leaves. Good for covering ground, it spreads up to 3ft (1m) wide. Flowers May to July. Height 18in (45cm).