Geranium phaeum 'Album' (Dusky Crane's-Bill) — Clump-forming, Matforming, Trailing

Overview

Geranium phaeum 'Album' is a clump-forming, matforming, trailing perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen, evergreen foliage. It typically grows 0.5 m wide. Geranium phaeum 'Album' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds, ground cover, underplanting of roses and shrubs and banks and slopes. It is native to Europe.

About

Geranium phaeum 'Album' is a named cultivar in the genus Geranium and family Geraniaceae. It flowers from June to September. Growers select it where a reliable mid-summer to early-autumn floral display is required. Check the plant label for its recommended position and soil details before planting.

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 'Album' sits within the Geraniaceae and is offered as a garden cultivar under the species name Geranium phaeum. As with any named selection, the cultivar name helps when matching a plant to a specific place in the border or a planting scheme. When planting, follow the supplier’s advice on aspect and soil; plant at the same depth as the nursery pot and water in well. A layer of mulch will reduce weed competition and conserve moisture during establishment. Remove spent flower stalks through the summer to keep the display tidy and to direct energy into the remaining shoots; continue routine checks for slugs and common pests during the active season. Use it where a clear June-to-September flowering window is needed to bridge the gap between early and late-season perennials. Plants of known provenance should be sited so their flowering period complements surrounding beds or containers rather than leaving a gap. The reliable June–September bloom period is the principal scheduling detail to bear in mind when planning combinations and maintenance routines.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Geranium phaeum 'Album' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, Matforming, Trailing
Foliage: Deciduous, Semi-evergreen, Evergreen
Spread: 0.5 m
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Banks and slopes
Native to: Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium phaeum 'Album'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade; tolerant of dry conditions once established; avoid waterlogged soils.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: Division, Basal cuttings, Seed
Pest resistance: Vine weevil, Sawflies, Slugs, Snails, Capsid bug
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews, Downy mildews, Virus diseases

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium phaeum 'Album'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade; tolerant of dry conditions once established; avoid waterlogged soils.

Where is the best place to plant Geranium phaeum 'Album'?

Geranium phaeum 'Album' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium phaeum 'Album' need?

Geranium phaeum 'Album' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.