Geranium phaeum
dusky cranesbill
An erect, clump-forming perennial with lobed leaves often with brownish markings, and flat, outward-facing dusky purple, lilac or white flowers 2cm wide in late spring and early summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Geranium can be annuals, biennials and perennials, herbaceous or evergreen, with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves, and lax inflorescences of rounded, 5-petalled flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S C & W Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade but most soils (unless waterlogged) are tolerated. Especially good in damp shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or basal cuttings in early or mid-spring and root with bottom heat. Propagate by seed in containers outdoors as soon as ripe or in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Cut flowered stems and old leaves to the base to encourage new foliage and flowers
Pests
May be susceptible to capsid bug, vine weevil larvae, sawfly larvae, slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to a virus or downy mildew. May be susceptible to Powdery mildews in dry conditions
Get involved
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