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Herbaceous Perennial

Geranium phaeum 'Variegatum' (v)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

variegated dusky cranesbill

An upright perennial to 60cm tall, with lobed leaves irregularly margined with cream and also blotched with maroon between the main lobes; flowers are deep maroon, opening in late spring and early summer

Synonyms
Geranium × monacense 'Variegatum'
Geranium punctatum hort. 'Variegatum'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream Purple Green
Summer Purple Cream Purple Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Geraniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Geranium can be annuals, biennials and perennials, herbaceous or evergreen, with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves, and lax inflorescences of rounded, 5-petalled flowers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun, partial shade or deep shade. Most soils (unless waterlogged) in either sun or shade are tolerated

Propagation

Divide between early autumn and early spring or cut back plants after flowering in summer then divide, replant and water well

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers

Pests

May be damaged by vine weevil larvae, Geranium sawfly larvae, capsid bug or slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews

Get involved

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