black widow, dusky-flowered cranesbill, mourning widow
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
0.5-1 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
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
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
Cut flowered stems and old leaves to the base to encourage new foliage and flowers
May be susceptible to capsid bug, vine weevil larvae, sawfly larvae, slugs and snails
May be susceptible to a virus or downy mildew. May be susceptible to Powdery mildews in dry conditions
