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Geranium phaeum (Dusky cranesbill)
1 hour care
per year
per year
0.8m
Max height
Max height
0.45m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Geranium phaeum
Other names
Mourning widow, Dusky cranesbill
Genus
Geranium Geranium
Species
G. phaeum - G. phaeum is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with lobed, light green basal leaves that can be spotted with brown. In late spring to early summer they have slender, branched stems bearing burgundy-black flowers with cream centres.
Geranium phaeum is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect flower stem
Flower
Black, Dark-red, Cream in Spring; Dark-red, Cream, Black in Summer
Foliage
Light green in Spring; Light green in Summer; Light green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Capsid bug , Sawflies , Vine weevil Capsid bug , Sawflies , Vine weevil
Downy mildew , Powdery mildew Downy mildew , Powdery mildew
General care
Pruning
After flowering, rejuvenate plants by removing old stems and leaves.
Propagation methods
Basal cuttings, Division
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Where to grow
Geranium phaeum (Dusky cranesbill) will reach a height of 0.8m and a spread of 0.45m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Ground Cover, Underplanting, Woodland
Cultivation
Best planted in most moderately fertile soil (apart from waterlogged) in either full sun or partial shade. Shade is tolerated.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Geranium phaeum
Other names
Mourning widow, Dusky cranesbill
Genus
Geranium Geranium
Species
G. phaeum - G. phaeum is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with lobed, light green basal leaves that can be spotted with brown. In late spring to early summer they have slender, branched stems bearing burgundy-black flowers with cream centres.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect flower stem
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Colour
Flower
Black, Dark-red, Cream in Spring; Dark-red, Cream, Black in Summer
Foliage
Light green in Spring; Light green in Summer; Light green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Capsid bug , Sawflies , Vine weevil
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
After flowering, rejuvenate plants by removing old stems and leaves.
Propagation methods
Basal cuttings, Division
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Geranium phaeum (Dusky cranesbill) will reach a height of 0.8m and a spread of 0.45m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Ground Cover, Underplanting, Woodland
Cultivation
Best planted in most moderately fertile soil (apart from waterlogged) in either full sun or partial shade. Shade is tolerated.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6
Defra's Risk register #1
Plant name
Geranium phaeum (Dusky cranesbill)
Common pest name
Green semi-looper
Scientific pest name
Chrysodeixis eriosoma
Type
Insect
Current status in UK
Absent
Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
3
Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
3
General biosecurity comments
Polyphagous moth pest which is morphologically identical to a pest already established in the UK in protected environments and being controlled by IPM. Not expected to cause greater impacts than other species of Chrysodeixis in the UK.
About this section
Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.
Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here
Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.
Date updated: 7th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/
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| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained, Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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