Geranium phaeum (dusky cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium phaeum is a mound-forming or spreading perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic foliage. It typically grows 0.5 m wide. Geranium phaeum grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7. Suggested uses include borders, groundcover and woodland gardens. It is native to S C & W Europe.

About

Geranium phaeum is a perennial cranesbill notable for its dusky, dark-violet flowers which appear in June to September. It forms a mound-forming or spreading clump of rounded, palmately lobed leaves that can be deciduous or semi-evergreen. The plant typically spreads to about 0.5 m and suits positions from full sun to partial shade.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium phaeum

About the genus

Geranium is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums, hardy geraniums, or cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, with the greatest diversity in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region.

Wikipedia contributors, "Geranium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium

In the garden

Geranium phaeum is a herbaceous perennial native to southern, central and western Europe. It produces dusky, dark-violet flowers from June to September and carries rounded, palmately lobed foliage that may be deciduous or remain semi-evergreen in milder spots. Plant it in any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay will do — provided the ground is well drained but not parched. It tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH and suits any aspect, from exposed beds to sheltered corners. Position should be full sun to partial shade; in deeper shade the flowering may be reduced but the foliage will still give ground cover. Hardiness ranges H5–H7, which translates to hardy through to fully hardy across UK conditions, and aligns with USDA zones 4–9. Allow about 0.5 m between plants to let the mound-forming or spreading habit develop. Use Geranium phaeum in mixed borders, as ground cover beneath shrubs, or in woodland-style plantings where its summer flowers and textured leaves can sit beneath taller plants. Leaves are often blotched brown, a handy identification feature when plants are not in bloom.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained but not parched
Aspect: Any
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5–H7

Plant details

Geranium phaeum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Spread: 0.5 m
Suggested uses: Borders, groundcover, woodland gardens
Native to: S C & W Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium phaeum

Cultivation: Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.
Pruning: Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.
Propagation: Divide in spring or autumn. Many species self-seed freely, and basal cuttings suit cultivars that resent disturbance.
Pest resistance: Largely untroubled, though vine weevil grubs attack the roots of container plants and sawfly larvae occasionally strip leaves.
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew and rust may appear on congested plants in a dry summer; shearing back usually resolves both.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium phaeum?

Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.

Where is the best place to plant Geranium phaeum?

Geranium phaeum prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium phaeum need?

Geranium phaeum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk and sand or clay. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained but not parched.

How do I prune Geranium phaeum?

Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.