Dusky Cranesbill Samobor

An excellent cultivar of the mourning widow or dusky cranesbilll, Geranium phaeum Samobor is a herbaceous, clump-forming perennial. The large, lobed, deep-green leaves, which take on a purple colour in autumn, are handsomely marked with a brownish-purple crescent, giving ground-cover interest throughout the growing season. In May and June, sprays of single, deep maroon, nodding flowers, the petals curved back to reveal the stamens, are borne on upright stems above the foliage. An excellent plant for pollinators. Dusky cranesbill Samobor tolerates full shade, and also full sun if the soil is reliably moist, and looks lovely as part of a woodland planting. Cut back after flowering to revive the plant.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well-drained soil, preferably moist
Position: Best in partial shade
Flowering period: Late spring and early summer
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 2 7 (80cm) Spread: 13 (40cm)

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.