Geranium × cantabrigense ‘Intense’

‘Intense’ is a brilliant modern cranesbill, a hybrid of Geranium macrorrhizum and G. dalmaticum raised at Cambridge Botanic Garden. Profuse bright neon-magenta flowers open over aromatic finely-cut green foliage from late spring into summer, and the leaves flush red in autumn for a second season of colour. Finalist in Chelsea 2022 Plant of the Year.

It forms a compact mat-forming groundcover, around 20 to 30cm tall and spreading steadily, ideal for borders, containers and mass plantings. Semi-evergreen, holding some foliage through winter.

Plant in moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. Copes with dry conditions and damp soil alike. Shear back after main flowering to keep fresh.

A firm favourite for ground cover under roses, path edging, mixed borders, or a container on a sunny patio.