Geranium phaeum
dusky cranesbill
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, well-drained
- Rate of Growth: average to fast-growing
- Flowering period: May to June
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A useful geranium that will thrive even in damp or dry shade. This has small, deep maroon-black flowers in late spring to early summer, held high above the soft-green, deeply lobed leaves, which are often blotched with purple. It will quickly spread to form a hummock of foliage that is excellent for suppressing weeds. Use it in woodland, among ferns, at the edge of a border, where the dark flowers can be seen, or under deciduous trees. - Garden care: In mid-summer rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded by removing old flower stems and leaves. Lift and divide large colonies in spring.
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae
wood spurge
Great for a woodland setting
Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea'
lesser periwinkle
Delicious dark damson-purple flowers
Acanthus mollis
bear's breeches / brank ursine
Spectacular architectural plant with stunning flowers
Foeniculum vulgare 'Giant Bronze'
fennel - bronze
Tall perennial with feathery, bronze leaves
Tiarella 'Appalachian Trail'
trailing foam flower
Great groundcover for shade
Astrantia major 'Rubra'
masterwort
Gorgeous plum-coloured flowers
Woodland
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Dusky cranesbill with small dark flowers and darkly blotched leaves - an elegant presence in woodland and wildlife gardens and finches love the seeds
Val Bourne - Garden Writer