Geranium phaeum 'Joseph Green' (d)
dusky cranesbill 'Joseph Green'
A compact, deciduous, herbaceous perennial, producing deeply lobed, bright green leaves, on stems to 60cm (24in) high. Double smoky-purple flowers with multiple green stigmas in the centre appear in spring. The flowers are sterile and therefore the plant does not seed around like other Geranium phaeum cultivars. It is also able to tolerate shade, making it a useful addition to the shady border.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun or part shade but most soils (unless waterlogged) are tolerated. Especially good in damp shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- City and courtyard gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Cut back after flowering to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers. Remove old dead foliage in spring before growth commences
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil, geranium sawfly, slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to Powdery mildews, downy mildews and a virus
Get involved
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