Geranium phaeum 'Nightshade'
dusky cranesbill 'Nightshade'
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial, to around 60cm high, with an upright habit and lobed green leaves. Tall, branching stems bear small purple flowers with paler centres in late spring to early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Purple | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
- Full shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade, but will tolerate most soils and positions unless waterlogged
Propagation
Propagate by seed, by division or by basal softwood cuttings in spring. Plants may self-seed but seedlings may not be true to the parent
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut old, browned foliage back to the ground before spring
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil larvae, geranium sawfly larvae, capsid bug, slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildews and virus diseases, and to powdery mildews in dry conditions
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