Geranium phaeum 'Raven' (Dusky cranesbill 'Raven') — Clump forming

Overview

Geranium phaeum 'Raven' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Geranium phaeum 'Raven' grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. 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 'Raven' (dusky cranesbill 'Raven') is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Geranium genus, which includes 422 species commonly known as cranesbills. This deciduous plant grows to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height and spread, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. Suitable for full sun to full shade and all garden aspects, 'Raven' is low maintenance and provides interest through spring, summer, and winter.

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: North-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Geranium phaeum 'Raven' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
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 'Raven'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to full shade. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Low maintenance once established.
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, Geranium sawfly, Glasshouse leafhopper, Root mealybugs, Aphids, Caterpillars, Thrips, Fungus gnats, Glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews, Downy mildews, Virus diseases, Pelargonium rust, Grey moulds, Black leg

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium phaeum 'Raven'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to full shade. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Low maintenance once established.

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

Geranium phaeum 'Raven' prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium phaeum 'Raven' need?

Geranium phaeum 'Raven' 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 moist but well-drained.