dusky cranesbill

Also known as: black widow; dusky-flowered cranesbill; mourning widow

An erect, clump-forming perennial with lobed leaves often with brownish markings, and flat, outward-facing dusky purple, lilac or white flowers 2cm wide in late spring and early summer

Scientific classification

Species: dusky cranesbill (Geranium phaeum)
Genus: Geranium
Family: Geraniaceae

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Toxicity: Herbaceous Perennial
Plant type: 0.5-1 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full shade · Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

dusky cranesbill pictures

Distribution of dusky cranesbill

Distribution map

Southern C and Western Europe

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of dusky cranesbill

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dusky cranesbill care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought and stagnant waterlogging
Watering: Full shade · Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought and stagnant waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks spring through summer growth

Pruning

Cut flowered stems and old leaves to the base to encourage new foliage and flowers

Propagation

Propagate 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

Growing

Grow 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

More growing and care information →