Geranium phaeum 'Variegatum' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
variegated dusky cranesbill
variegated dusky cranesbill RHS

Synonyms

Geranium × monacense 'Variegatum'
Geranium punctatum hort. 'Variegatum'

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

An upright perennial to 60cm tall, with lobed leaves irregularly margined with cream and also blotched with maroon between the main lobes; flowers are deep maroon, opening in late spring and early summer

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 North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun, partial shade or deep shade. Most soils (unless waterlogged) in either sun or shade are tolerated

Propagation

Divide between early autumn and early spring or cut back plants after flowering in summer then divide, replant and water well

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers

Pests

May be damaged by vine weevil larvae, Geranium sawfly larvae, capsid bug or slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews