Geranium

Geranium maderense

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to August
• Hardiness: half hardy
  
  An exotic looking plant that is a native of Madeira. It produces velvety, magenta-pink blooms with paler veining above toothed, aromatic, evergreen foliage. At the height of summer it can reach 5 feet tall and the clump of flowers can spread up to 3 feet wide - as you can imagine it is pretty spectacular! As it is not fully hardy, it is perfect for growing in a big pot so it can be moved out onto the patio in summer, or into the greenhouse for the winter.
  
  
• Garden care: In autumn, rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded by removing old flowered stems and leaves. Protect from cold weather by moving it to a greenhouse or conservatory when the temperatures start to drop. It is often short-lived, so tired looking plants should be replaced in spring.