Geranium phaeum 'Calligrapher'
dusky cranesbill 'Calligrapher'
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial, 70cm high, with deciduous, lobed, green leaves with dark brown markings, and bluish-purple flowers with a ring of darker violet veins around lilac centres, from mid-spring to early summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Brown Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Brown Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown Green | |||
| 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
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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 sun or shade in moist but well-drained soil; good in damp shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring, or by basal softwood cuttings taken in spring and rooted with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
- Banks and slopes
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required, but cutting back flowered stems and old leaves may encourage the growth of fresh leaves and flowers
Pests
May be susceptible to capsid bug, geranium sawfly, vine weevil, slugs and snails but generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to a rust, a downy mildew, leafy gall, and virus diseases; may also be affected by powdery mildews in dry conditions but generally disease-free
Get involved
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