Plant Library

A much-coveted geranium with large open-faced white-eyed deep blue flowers topped with pleasantly twisted black stamens. The petals fully overlap creating solid saucer-shaped flowers. Colouring is usually best in late summer and fall. Drought and heat make for smaller, more purplish flowers.

Best situated in rich, moisture-retentive but well-draining soil. RHS Award of Garden Merit. The twisted black stamens are a distinctive feature. The white eye provides striking contrast with deep blue petals. Late-season performance makes it valuable for extending the border season. One of the most popular geraniums.

A selection of exceptional sprawling species with healthy fuzzy foliage flushed with burgundy in spring along trailing stems that pleasantly explore the immediate neighbourhood. Blooms continuously with deep-purple upfacing flowers. Good fall colour completes the résumé.

Great Plant Pick for the species. The trailing stems weave through neighbours without being invasive. The burgundy spring flush adds early interest. The continuous flowering without deadheading makes it low-maintenance. The fall colour provides extended seasonal value.

Tough semi-evergreen ground covering plant that does not grow too rapidly and is fairly drought resistant. Let it roam loose to form groupings under deciduous trees or shrubs. No repeat flowering. Shearing back is not required. White flowers appear once in late spring.

Great Plant Pick and Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year 2015. The semi-evergreen foliage provides winter interest. The moderate spread makes it manageable as groundcover. Suitable for dry shade under trees where few plants thrive. The hybrid vigor provides toughness and adaptability.

A member of the mint family with aromatic foliage and small tubular flowers. Forms compact bushy growth suitable for edging, herb gardens, and borders. The evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage provides year-round structure. Historically used in knot gardens for its neat habit.

Requires well-drained soil and full sun. Tolerant of pruning and can be shaped. The aromatic foliage releases scent when brushed. Drought-tolerant once established. Various species available with slightly different characteristics but all share compact habit and aromatic qualities.

Preferring moisture-retentive soil, this avens forms dense clumps topped with short stems carrying strawberry-like apricot-coloured flowers three to four centimetres across. The petals have reddish markings but appear apricot at first glance. A pretty selection for front of border or sunny woodland edge.

The unique apricot colour distinguishes it from typical yellow or orange geums. The compact height suits smaller spaces. The moisture preference makes it suitable for slightly damper positions than some geums. The reddish petal markings add subtle detail to the apricot tones.

A hybrid geum with semi-double orange flowers held above attractive basal foliage. The flowers are larger than many species and held on sturdy stems. Forms neat clumps that remain compact. Long-flowering through late spring and early summer.

Prefers well-drained soil in sun or part shade. The semi-double flowers provide fuller appearance than single forms. Deadheading extends flowering period. Suitable for front to middle border positions. The compact habit eliminates flopping issues. Classic garden hybrid with proven performance.

A western native geum with large leaves forming substantial basal clumps. Yellow flowers appear on tall stems in spring and early summer. The large foliage creates bold texture at ground level. Native from Alaska to California in moist forests and meadows.

Prefers part shade to sun with consistent moisture. The substantial foliage makes it suitable for textural contrasts. More robust in leaf than many cultivated geums. Suitable for native gardens and naturalistic plantings. The large leaves are the source of the species name meaning large-leaved.

A moisture-loving geum with nodding bell-shaped flowers held on slender stems. The species typically bears pink to orange flowers. Prefers consistently moist soil and tolerates wetter conditions than most geums. Native to northern temperate regions including North America and Europe.

Suitable for bog gardens, stream sides, and consistently moist borders. The nodding flowers have subtle charm. More tolerant of shade than many geums. The common name water avens indicates its moisture requirements. Parents to many garden selections with improved colours.