Perennial Geraniums

These are hardy perennial plants and should not be confused with the bedding and pot varieties whose correct botanical name is pelargonium.
Herbaceous perennial geraniums (also known as Crane's-bill) are varied in stature and habit. Some are suitable for herbaceous borders or ground cover and others are more suited to rock gardens.
I grow three of the taller geraniums which grow to approximately 18 - 24 inches tall. I have one  maroon, one blue and one white flowered plant. All are attractive to bees but the maroon flowered plant attracts more than the other two. This is a bonus as I didn't realise when I planted them how attractive they would be to the bees.

I also grow Geranium sanguineum (commonly known as bloody Crane's-bill) at the front of the border. This has larger bright magenta flowers and only grows to about 6 - 9 inches tall, but spreads to 18 inches making it a good ground cover plant. Geraniums grow in any ordinary well drained garden soil and will thrive in sun or partial shade. As with most perennials they can be propagated by dividing the plants and replanting them between September and March. Some of the taller varieties may need some support, especially in exposed sites.