Geranium phaeum 'Mourning Widow'
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Dusky cranesbill
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Type/Hardiness |
Herbaceous, perennial, Hardy |
Flowering period |
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Height |
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Light preference |
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Soil preference |
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Sowing time/depth |
, |
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Although a British native, Geranium phaeum is perhaps more commonly seen as a cultivated garden plant, particularly in colours singled out as particularly attractive such as this one. Flowering in spring, the blooms are a rich, dark, reddish-purple. The dark-green lobed foliage has splodges of maroon. It is a very useful plant for shady areas. Please note that although seeds from this variety were collected separately from other paheum varieties, there may have been some cross-pollination. |
Sowing and/or growing instructions |
Sow in Spring in a cold frame, on the surface of good quality, moist compost, barely covering with a little more compost or fine vermiculite. Too much heat can inhibit germination - aim for 5-10C/40-50F. Germination can be erratic, taking 30-90 days. Alternatively, Autumn sowings provide a cold period which may aid germination the following Spring. |