Photo of Geranium phaeum flower by Teun Spaans

Photo by Teun Spaans

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Geranium phaeum

Also Known As

  • Black Widow
  • Mourning Widow Geranium

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'
  • W: 18"

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Geranium phaeum plant details

Geranium phaeum is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer purple flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - shade and even moisture - occasional water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Geranium phaeum

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: geraniaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 18 IN wide, 2 FT tall
Flowers: purple blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Geranium phaeum

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Geranium phaeum is an upright cranesbill great for the shade garden known as mourning widow, dusky cranesbill, or black widow. It has small flowers in deep to mid purple that are very popular with bumblebees. It is also visited by butterflies. It is one of the earliest of the geraniums to flower. It can self seed gently in the garden. The foliage is often adorned with attractive burgundy markings.
A clumping perennial, forming mounds of soft green 7 lobed leaves. In spring and summer long slender stems of reflexed saucer shaped flowers (2cm) of an unusual dark purple-black colour. One of the easiest cranesbills to grow.

By: Zephs

A good choice for areas with filtered shade, dusky cranesbill as it is commonly called, displays rich burgundy blossoms with a white eye against dark green, jaggedly lobed foliage. Plants grow to 30" tall and are generally slightly taller than wide.
Dark purple flowers.

Gardening facts about Geranium phaeum plant

How to Grow Geranium phaeum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • purple
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Geranium for your garden

Scientific Name: Geranium 'Gerwat'

aka Geranium 'Rozanne', Geranium 'Rozannie', Rozanne Hardy Geranium, Rozanne's Cranesbill

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 12"-20"

Width: 24"-48"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Geranium Rozanne™ PP12175 flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

aka Richardson's Geranium

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 8"-32"

Width: 12"-36"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Geranium richardsonii flower by Panayoti Kelaidis
View Plant

aka Spotted Cranesbill, Wild Cranesbill, Wild Geranium, Wood Geranium

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-8b

Size

Height: 18"-24"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun - shade
  • even moisture
  • dry when dormant
Photo of Geranium maculatum close-up, flower by H. Zell
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More Options

aka Geranium sanguineum 'Elke', Elke Bloody Cranesbill

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 6"-10"

Width: 24"-36"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Geranium 'Elke' flower by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery
View Plant

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aka Geranium (Cinereum Group) 'Ravpil', Geranium cinereum 'Purple Pillow', Purple Pillow Hardy Geranium

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 4"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Geranium (Cinereum Group) 'Purple Pillow' PP12829 flower by Forestfarm
View Plant

More Options

+190 more Geranium
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