Dusky Cranesbill
geranium phaeum
Also known as: ["Black Widow","mourning widow"]
Overview
A hardy perennial with dark foliage and purplish-black flowers, native to Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Geraniales |
| Family: | Geraniaceae |
| Genus: | Geranium |
| Botanical Name: | Geranium phaeum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: partial shade garden bed or woodland setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid heavy clay soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, fertile, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; light pruning can be done every 2–3 months if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 3–4 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light is ideal.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from deep shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun; suitable for shaded garden spots or north-facing indoor locations.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; thrive in dappled light; adjust placement seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, 60–70°F (15–21°C); tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions.
Protect from frost; avoid hot, direct sun; maintain moderate temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize lightly; stop in winter; use balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back leggy stems to a healthy leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers and leggy stems to encourage bushier growth and reblooming.
Tools
Clean pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead or faded blooms; trim leggy growth; sanitize tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenation.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting the foliage. Water until it drains from the bottom but stops within a few minutes.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure organic matter is well-mixed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may suffer from frost damage in hard freezes; roots can rot in cold, wet soil.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants indoors before frost; ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch or wilt; flowering may decline; growth can become leggy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Geranium phaeum. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause mild symptoms if consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Geranium phaeum can lead to mild gastrointestinal distress. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort if consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicGeranium phaeum contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation upon contact. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be problematic if ingested in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Geranium phaeum deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant.
Q: Does Geranium phaeum require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade to full shade.
Q: How often should Geranium phaeum be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Geraniaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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