Geranium himalayense is a particularly useful ground cover plant as it tolerates shady spots its lobed foliage is a pretty backdrop to purple45blue flowers borne in a main flush during early summer and then sporadically through to the autumn a final display of vibrant red foliage adds colour to the late season garden cranesbills are a stalwart of cottage gardens and this hardy perennial is ideal for filling gaps in the front of herbaceous borders height 45cm 40183441 spread