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Herbaceous Perennial

Geranium phaeum 'Nightshade'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial, to around 60cm high, with an upright habit and lobed green leaves. Tall, branching stems bear small purple flowers with paler centres in late spring to early summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
  • Full shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Geraniaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, 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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade, but will tolerate most soils and positions unless waterlogged

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by division or by basal softwood cuttings in spring. Plants may self-seed but seedlings may not be true to the parent

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut old, browned foliage back to the ground before spring

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews and virus diseases, and to powdery mildews in dry conditions

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