Geranium phaeum 'Anne Claire' (Dusky Crane's-Bill) — Clump forming, Matforming, Trailing, Bushy, Spreading branched

Overview

Geranium phaeum 'Anne Claire' is a plant with a clump forming, matforming, trailing, bushy, spreading branched habit in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen, evergreen foliage. Geranium phaeum 'Anne Claire' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5, H6, H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds, ground cover, underplanting of roses and shrubs and banks and slopes.

About

Geranium phaeum 'Anne Claire' is a clump-forming perennial geranium in the Geraniaceae valued for its dusky, dark-violet flowers with reflexed petals and prominent stamens. It spreads into low mats and trailing stems, making it useful as a ground cover or for underplanting. Leaves are typically green and often show brown blotches, and the plant can be semi-evergreen through to deciduous depending on site.

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 'Anne Claire' belongs to the Geraniaceae and shows the dusky floral character of the species, producing dark-violet blooms borne above a leafy mound. The species has its roots in mainland Europe, and garden selections such as this cultivar are grown for their sombre flower tones and spreading habit. Plant on a site with full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil; it will tolerate chalk, clay, loam or sand and performs across acid to alkaline pH ranges. Sheltered positions and south-, west- or east-facing aspects are suitable. Hardiness runs H5–H7, meaning the cultivar is hardy to fully hardy for UK conditions (H5 = hardy; H6 = very hardy; H7 = fully hardy), so it survives typical winter exposure provided soil does not become waterlogged. Its clump-forming, matlike growth and trailing stems make Geranium phaeum 'Anne Claire' appropriate for cottage and informal gardens, wildlife borders, banks and slopes, and as underplanting for roses and larger shrubs. Use it in flower borders and beds where a low, spreading layer is wanted to soften margins and suppress weeds; its habit is particularly effective at covering the base of shrubs and rose stems.

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, East-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5, H6, H7

Plant details

Geranium phaeum 'Anne Claire' size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Clump forming, Matforming, Trailing, Bushy, Spreading branched
Foliage: Deciduous, Semi-evergreen, Evergreen
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Banks and slopes

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium phaeum 'Anne Claire'

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

Where is the best place to plant Geranium phaeum 'Anne Claire'?

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

What soil does Geranium phaeum 'Anne Claire' need?

Geranium phaeum 'Anne Claire' 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.