Dusky Cranesbill

Geranium phaeum Lily Lovell

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The purple-mauve flowers of this cranesbill look like iridescent saucers floating above the deeply lobed foliage. The flowers appear in abundance from April to August and reach an impressive 4cm in diameter, therefore making it one of the largest and perhaps the prettiest flower of the Geranium phaeum group. These plants are one of the easiest to place in the garden as they are so good at adapting to a wide range of growing conditions, including dry shade, and quickly spread to form a hummock of foliage that is good for suppressing weeds. Use it in woodland, among ferns, where the flowers will shine, or under deciduous trees.