Don't know about everyone else, but I could do with a better picture - can't see the inside of the flowers, can't tell if they're fully open or not, nor can I really see the foliage properly. The growth habit looks a bit odd to even be a Geranium, not to mention the flower form.

I don't know any hardy geraniums which have widely separated petals like the ones in the picture. As Bamboo says, a close up of the flower when fully open would probably help, and maybe a close up of one leaf.

Is it flowering right now and how tall is it? Still would like more pictures though.

I am not at all surte that this is a geranium. A second picture looking down on the flowers and leaves would help Kowhai.

Geranium x oxonianum 'Southcombe Star' sort of fits the bill.

Thanks for answers. The flowers are in full bloom -- the petals don't actually spread out like a conventional geranium. The leaves a definitely geranium leaves, and in all other respects, it has the habits and the scent of a hardy geranium. I'll check out 'Southcombe Star' to see if that's what it is. Meantime, when there is some sunshine, I'll take a photo head on and post it. Since there is some doubt as to whether it really is a geranium, I'm determined to identify it!

Have now done some web surfing and checked out the plants in the garden. It definitely does look like it's Geranium × oxonianum f. thurstonianum. However, it's a great deal taller than the height given in the plant encyclopaedia -- around 100cm v. 40 cm. In fact, without some help, it flops and spreads, whereas with help, it achieves a good 100cm. Either way, I've found it to be a very useful plant in a border where many other plants refuse to thrive. Thanks again for help.

So I was nearly there :o)

Well talk about coincidence, I'd never heard of this particular Geranium, never mind seen it before, and I went on the Open Gardens scheme in Ealing today and guess what, there was one of these, large as life. Owner confirms it does get very large, but not quite so tall in shade.

Hi, I think I have this geranium too. It sometimes throws up flowers like those in the picture but more often has ordinary geranium type flowers. In my garden it is an appalling thug and smothers almost everything in its path, including other geraniums. It also self seeds like crazy. If, after reading this, anyone still wanted some they could have half a ton free if they came and removed it!