GERANIUM Phaeum

Geranium phaeum

Height x Spread: 60cm x 75cm

Commonly known as Mourning Widow, it bears delicate dusky purple flat flowers that shyly bow their heads, on erect stems above clumps of deeply-cut green foliage marked with brown.

Charming but tough, this British native will grow in dry shade, making it ideal for planting beneath trees or shrubs.  Its casual habit lends itself to a cottage garden or informal planting scheme, where it will attract bees aplenty. Cutting back faded foliage and flowers will encourage a second flush of the attractive foliage and the odd flower. An unfussy plant it will tolerate most fairly fertile soils, if not waterlogged, in any amount of light from sun to full shade.