Geranium phaeum 'Lisa' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
dusky cranesbill 'Lisa'
dusky cranesbill 'Lisa' visionspictures.com
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A reasonably compact, deciduous, herbaceous perennial, producing deeply lobed, bright green leaves marbled in light green, on stems to 70cm (28in) high. Single slightly reflexed smokey purple flowers appear in spring. While best in sun to partial shade, it is also able to tolerate full shade, making it useful for using in the shady border

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Geraniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, 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 propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers. Remove old dead foliage in spring before growth commences

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil, geranium sawfly, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews, downy mildews and a virus