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Dusky Crane's-Bill (Geranium phaeum)

Dusky Crane's-bill (Geranium phaeum) is a hardy perennial known for its distinctive dark purple-brown flowers and deeply lobed, often blotched leaves. It thrives in parti

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Partial shade is ideal; tolerates full sun in cooler climates.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry periods. Tolerates some drought once established.

Soil

Prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types including clay, loam, and sand, provided drainage is adequate.

Temperature

Hardy to below -20°C, thrives in temperate climates.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer is usually sufficient, especially in poor soils.

Care Requirements

Light

Partial shade is ideal; tolerates full sun in cooler climates.

Partial Shade to Full Sun

Water

Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry periods. Tolerates some drought once established.

Moderate

Soil

Prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types including clay, loam, and sand, provided drainage is adequate.

Temperature

Hardy to below -20°C, thrives in temperate climates.

Hardy Perennial

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer is usually sufficient, especially in poor soils.

Low to Moderate

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Ornamental, Flowering

Plant Place Type

Garden, Groundcover, Pot

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.5-1 m

Spread

0.5-1 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Winter Dormancy

Leaf Color

Green, Purple-brown

Leaf Type

Palmate, Lobed

Flower Size

2-3 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

30000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths75
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths75
Synonyms
Geranium austriacum Wiesb. ex Hayek
Geranium fuscum L.
Geranium hungaricum Wiesb. ex Grecescu
Geranium lividum L'Hér.
Geranium patulum Vill.
Geranium planipetalum Chaix
Geranium subcoeruleum Dick ex Schleich.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderGeraniales
  • familyGeraniaceae
  • genusGeranium
  • speciesGeranium phaeum
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets.

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly during dry spells, especially in its first year, to establish a strong root system. Aim for consistently moist soil, but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter as the plant enters dormancy.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding, if undesired. Cut back foliage hard after the first flush of flowers in mid-summer to encourage a fresh flush of leaves and potentially a second, smaller bloom. Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed.

Easily propagated by division in spring or autumn. Simply dig up the clump, separate it into smaller sections with roots attached, and replant. Can also be grown from seed, which often self-sows readily, or from basal cuttings taken in spring.

For container-grown plants, repot every 2-3 years in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. This rejuvenates the plant and provides new nutrients. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

FAQs

What kind of light does Geranium phaeum prefer?

Geranium phaeum thrives best in partial shade, which helps protect its foliage from scorching in hot afternoon sun. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates or if the soil remains consistently moist.

How tall and wide does Dusky Crane's-bill grow?

This perennial typically grows to a height and spread of 0.5 to 1 meter. Its mounding habit makes it suitable for filling gaps in borders or as groundcover.

Is Geranium phaeum considered toxic to pets or humans?

No, Geranium phaeum, a true Geranium species, is generally considered non-toxic to both pets and humans. It is distinct from Pelargonium species, which are often commonly called 'geraniums' and can be mildly toxic.

When does Geranium phaeum bloom, and how can I encourage more flowers?

Dusky Crane's-bill typically blooms from late spring to early summer. To encourage more flowers, deadhead spent blooms regularly. Cutting back the entire plant after the first flush can also stimulate a second, smaller bloom later in the season.

What type of soil is best for Geranium phaeum?

Geranium phaeum prefers fertile, well-drained soil. It is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, as long as there is good drainage to prevent waterlogging.