Geranium phaeum
Garden Plant Information

Geranium phaeum

 

Name

Geranium phaeum (also called dusky cranesbill and mourning widow)

Genus  

Geranium

Species

phaeum

Cultivar/variety

 

General description

Hardy perennial grown for attractive leaves and flowers. Useful ground cover in shady, dry areas so good for planting under trees and around the base of shrubs..

Season of interest

Flowers in summer and autumn.

Key horticultural features

  1. Habit – rather lax clumps of upright stems. H: 75cm, S: 45cm.

  2. Leaves – alternate, palmate with serrated edges. Mid-green with purplish-brown markings. Soft texture.

  3. Stem – pale green, lax and thin.

  4. Flowers – dark purple flowers with reflexed petals borne in late spring. Followed by long pointed seed heads.

Cultural details

Aspect

Full sun or partial shade.

Soil

Well drained, light.

Hardiness

Hardy.

Maintenance

In midsummer rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded by removing old flowered stems and leaves - this will encourage a second flush of flowering. Lift and divide large colonies in spring.

Propagation

Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, by seed or division in autumn or spring.

 

 

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Published: 19-09-2005

Updated:   14-01-2006