Photo of Geranium phaeum 'Samobor' flower by Alison Conliffe

Photo by Alison Conliffe

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Geranium phaeum 'Samobor'

Also Known As

  • Sambor Mourning Widows Cranesbill
  • Samobor Black Widow
  • Samobor Hardy Geranium

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 12"-15"
  • W: 15"-24"

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Geranium phaeum 'Samobor' plant details

Geranium phaeum 'Samobor' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green, purple and variegated foliage. In spring and summer burgundy and purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees and beneficial insects making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and even moisture - occasional water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Geranium phaeum 'Samobor'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: geraniaceae
Foliage: deciduous green, purple and variegated
Mature size: 15 IN - 24 IN - wide, 12 IN - 15 IN - tall
Flowers: burgundy and purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, easy-to-grow, long-blooming, self-sowing, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Geranium phaeum 'Samobor'

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: deer and rabbit
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Hardy and pretty perennial from Yugoslavia - 12" tall and 24" wide mound of foliage with distinctive deep purple zoning on each leaf. Blooms May>June, dark purple flowers held above foliage, understated elegance! Ordinary garden soil, not too dry; sun to part shade, easy to grow. Also nice in a pot, where flowers can be admired from a closer perspective.
The mourning geranium has very subtle small purple flowers in June. The main reason to grow are the dark purple spots on the dark green leaves. We grow from division not seed. Our original plant came from our friend Robin Parer, Geraniaceae 30+ years ago.
Samobor' is a selection of this useful shade geranium that sports large burgundy patches on the dissected, maple-like leaves that echo nicely the deep purple of the small, numerous flowers that are held nicely above the foliage. Good in full sun to deep shade, this problem-solver will even tolerate being under trees if given some moisture.
An outstanding clone with dark purplish zoning on the leaves and the typical dark sinister flowers, it originated in the former Yugoslavia. ZONE 4
The contrast of the maroon flowers against a light colored back ground is one thing, but the large maroon zoning on the leaves is another. Semi-evergreen, dry shade.
Similar in form to the species, but boasting delicate light burgundy flowers and handsome foliage marked heavily with dark maroon splotches.
A form of Mourning Widow Cranesbill noted for its dark purple markings on the leaves that match so nicely with the dusky purple flowers. Comes true from seed and can establish a loose colony where it's happy.

Gardening facts about Geranium phaeum 'Samobor' plant

How to Grow Geranium phaeum 'Samobor'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - dappled shade
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - occasional

Features

  • Flower Color

    • purple
    • burgundy
  • Foliage Color

    • variegated
    • green
    • purple
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
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