"Dave Poole" wrote ...
Bob is quite right, there is no doubt that the plant in the pic is
Geranium palmatum. Whilst the leaves appear similar to those of G.
maderense as mentioned by Stewart, the pinnae of the latter species
are just that bit more narrow, more deeply indented and sharper at the
apices. Although it is one of the more tender species, it seems to be
hardier than both G. maderense and G. canariense. G. palmatum is well
established in my garden - as prolific and almost as 'weedy' as our
native 'herb robert' (Geranium robertianum). It has escaped and is
naturalised in the lane at the back of the garden. Luckily it is
easily removed where it is not wanted.

As a garden plant it has much to commend it; carrying very large
clusters of sizeable purple-red flowers over several weeks in summer.
It is sometimes claimed to be biennial, but I have a plant that will
be 7 years old by next spring. Well worth holding on to Phil - I
think you will enjoy the show of flowers next summer. By then the
plant will have developed into a fair sized mound of foliage and you
can expect many hundreds of 3cms+ flowers carried on branching racemes
to 1m. high or more.

None of mine ever last more than a few years, however they do seed about
(especially in the block paving!!!) so we are never without a few in various
stages of growth. I have not had to plant any after being given the first
few some years ago but neither have I had a problem with it becoming over
abundant. Whilst not as spectacular as G.maderense in flower, it is still a
lovely plant and well worth growing for both it's rather exotic looking
leaves and form and it's attractive flowers which are held up to 4ft tall.
--
Regards
Bob Hobden
17mls W. of London.UK