Hardy geraniums provide us with months of flowers

One reason hardy geraniums are so popular is that they have many uses. There are varieties for sun or shade, for wet soil and dry soil, for rich soil and poor soil. There are dwarf and small varieties for the front of the border, large and shrubby varieties for the middle ground, and ground covers that have long-lasting attractive color and suppress weed growth.

1. G. 'Anne Folgard' AGM

The young leaves are a vibrant golden-green, later turning green, and the magenta flowers have beautiful black veins with a thick black eye. Spreads widely from the crown, but then dies back in winter. Will spread to nearby shrubs. G. Hybrid of the xylostemon variety. Good for: Full sun. Hardiness: RHS H7. Height: 1 ft 10 in (50 cm). Also try 'Anne Thompson' (similar, but less vigorous).

2. G. Sanguinium 'Max Free'

Low and bushy, with finely fingered leaves, turning red in autumn, covering the spreading roots. Light magenta-purple flowers open in May and June, facing upwards against the leaves. Type variety of G. sanguinium. Good for: full sun, well-drained soil. Hardiness: RHS H7. Height: 6 in (15 cm). Also try 'Uncome Bride' (rose-pink).

3. G. 'Orion' AGM

Large lavender-blue flowers open continuously from June to August, with overlapping, almost round petals adding to the impact. One of the best of all hardy perennials. Type A hybrid of G. bradens. Good for: tall ground cover or good soil in full sun. Hardiness: RHS H7. Height: 2 ft 7 in (80 cm). Also try 'Brookside' (similar, shorter, and flowers have red veins).

4. G. renardi AGM

Forms a low, dense rounded mound of grey-green, lobed, felted leaves. Upward-facing blue-white flowers open in May and June, purple-veined. Type wild species. Good with: medium-height bearded irises. Leaves make a good cut for posies. Suitable as a ground cover at the front of the border in full sun. Hardiness: RHS H6. Height: 14 in (35 cm). Also try 'Whitenights' (lavender flowers, violet veins).

5. G. rosanne ('Gervad')

AGM is an excellent tall ground cover, with its pairs of beautifully divided leaves that start an exceptionally long season of white-eyed blue flowers from June to October. Voted Plant of the Century by the RHS. A hybrid of 'Buxton's Variety' and G. himalayense. Good for: Large ground cover, container specimen. Hardiness: RHS H7. Height: 2 ft (60 cm). Also try 'Kelly Anne' (pink version).

6. G. macrorhiza 'White-ness' AGM

Spreading stems have almost evergreen fragrant leaves that set pure white flowers in May and June. Thrives in a variety of soils and conditions. Type G. macrorhiza. Good for: Clean ground cover in shade, also thrives in sun but looks less lush. Good in large areas around deciduous shrubs. Hardiness: RHS H7. Height: 1 ft (30 cm). Also try 'Bevan's Variety' (magenta-pink).