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From their second year, tender geraniums bear exotic-looking domes of large, mauve-pink flowers throughout summer above tall, hairy or brownish-red stems Leaves are light or bright green, deeply divided, large and dramatic Older plants are almost succulent-looking, reaching 90cm-1.2m (3-4ft) in height

These plants thrive in a free-draining soil in full sun For container growing, select a sturdy pot and peat-free John Innes No. 2 with added sharp sand, to help prevent large plants blowing over

These tender geraniums hail from Madeira so are at risk from frosty weather and cold, wet winters and will suffer foliage damage and stem dieback, especially in cold or northern UK gardens They are not likely to survive if frozen and are best grown in containers to be moved to a frost-free place in winter They will not grow in heavy or poorly drained soil or in shade

In very sheltered situations, for example in city gardens or south west England, you can grow these plants year-round outdoors alongside other garden plants. But as insurance, pot up some seedlings and keep them somewhere light and frost-free over winter Plants are short-lived, generally dying after their one glorious flowering