These vigorous hardy geraniums will cover ground faster than weeds and produce some of the prettiest summer flowers in shades ranging from white to pink to purple, making them ideal candidates for the front of the border. They will grow in any reasonable garden soil in sun or shade and should suppress weeds effectively as well as looking good under trees, although you may have to pull clumps out from time to time to keep them contained.

Good varieties include ‘Rozanne Blue’, ‘Johnson’s Blue’ and ‘Wargrave Pink’. The soft mound shapes need partners with strong outlines such as phormiums or irises.

These hardy perennials are also used as groundcover, on banks, between shrubs or under roses.