About
Geranium phaeum, the dusky cranesbill or mourning widow, is an erect, clump-forming perennial to 80 cm with lobed, light-green leaves, often with brownish markings, and flat, outward-facing, dusky purple, maroon, lilac or white flowers 2 cm wide with reflexed petals in late spring and early summer. One of the most ornamental cranesbills for a shaded or partly shaded border.
About the genus
Geranium, the cranesbills, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous or evergreen perennials with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves and loose clusters of rounded, five-petalled flowers in white, pink, purple or blue. Among the most versatile and garden-worthy of all perennial genera.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toS C & W Europe
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningCut flowered stems and old leaves to the base to encourage new foliage and flowers
PropagationPropagate 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
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to capsid bug, vine weevil larvae, sawfly larvae, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus or downy mildew. May be susceptible to Powdery mildews in dry conditions