
Valuable groundcover, this clump-forming perennial has handsome foliage, which may have purple-brown blotches and in late spring and early summer, maroon or near black flowers with white centres.
How to care for Geranium phaeum:
Geranium phaeum, and its cultivars, prefer reliably moist to damp soils with some shade. When planting, incorporate a scoop of well-rotted compost into the planting hole and water in well. Once established, in midsummer rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded, by removing old flowered stems and leaves. After a couple of seasons, lift and divide large clumps in spring to maintain plant health and vigour.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1m
Eventual spread:
1m
Position:
Full sun / light shade / shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.