Mourning Widow Geranium phaeum 'Blue Shadow'
ABOUT
Geranium phaeum 'Blue Shadow', commonly known as dusky cranesbill, is a perennial plant that is valued for its ornamental qualities in a garden setting. This variety of cranesbill is notable for its distinctive flowers and foliage. The flowers are a captivating deep purplish-blue hue, which adds a splash of color to shady garden areas. These blooms have a somewhat cupped shape and are composed of five rounded petals that create an almost velvety appearance, embracing a subtle elegance. The leaves of the dusky cranesbill are equally attractive, contributing to the plant's overall aesthetic. They are typically deeply lobed with a slightly marbled pattern, boasting a rich shade of green. The foliage can sometimes bear hints of darker colors that complement the darker tones in the flowers, creating an alluring contrast. Flowering occurs from late spring to early summer, presenting a showy display that can attract pollinators such as bees to the garden. In addition to its visual charm, the dusky cranesbill is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in a range of soil conditions, making it a popular choice among gardeners looking to add resilience and beauty to their plantings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Dusky Cranesbill, Mourning Widow.
Common names
Geranium phaeum 'Blue Shadow'.
ToxicityTo humans
Dusky cranesbill, commonly known as Geranium phaeum 'Blue Shadow', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingestion of any part of the plant typically does not lead to serious poisoning or harmful consequences. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants and their parts as they are not intended for human consumption.
To pets
Dusky cranesbill is also generally recognized as non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingestion of this plant should not cause serious issues or symptoms of poisoning in pets. As with humans, it’s still best practice to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not part of their regular diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Geranium phaeum 'Blue Shadow' is known to attract bees and other pollinating insects, which can be beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond occasional watering and pruning.
- Tolerates Shade: It thrives in shaded areas where other plants might struggle to grow, making it a versatile choice for various garden locations.
- Ground Cover: With its dense foliage, the plant provides excellent ground cover, suppressing weeds and helping to retain soil moisture.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The deep blue flowers and attractive foliage of Geranium phaeum 'Blue Shadow' add color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Resistant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for gardeners interested in water conservation.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a lengthy flowering season that extends from late spring to early summer, providing a long-lasting display of blooms.
- Naturalizes Easily: The plant can spread naturally over time, filling in spaces and creating a cohesive garden design without much human intervention.
- Wildlife Habitat: Its foliage can offer shelter for small wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden area.
- Seasonal Interest: Geranium phaeum 'Blue Shadow' can provide seasonal interest with its changing leaf colors in fall, adding another layer of beauty to the garden throughout the year.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium phaeum 'Blue Shadow', commonly known as dusky cranesbill, can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding subtle shades of blue and gray depending on the mordant used.
- In a culinary context, the petals of dusky cranesbill are edible and can be used to add a splash of color to salads and desserts, though they have a very mild flavor.
- As a ground cover, dusky cranesbill provides an effective weed-suppressing layer in garden beds, due to its dense foliage.
- In art, the deep purple to blue flowers can serve as inspiration for botanical illustrations and as subjects for photography, due to their distinctive color and shape.
- The plant can be incorporated into a compost pile as a green material, which helps to accelerate the composting process and add nutrients.
- Dusky cranesbill can act as a living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature fluctuations around more delicate plantings.
- The plant's leaves and flowers can be used in potpourri mixes, contributing to a visually appealing aesthetic and a light, herbal scent.
- For educational purposes, dusky cranesbill can be used to demonstrate plant biology and the process of pollination to students, thanks to its visible reproductive structures.
- The vibrant flowers of dusky cranesbill can be used in craft projects, like pressed flower art, due to their shape and color retention after drying.
- In areas prone to soil erosion, planting dusky cranesbill can help stabilize the soil with its robust root system and spreading growth habit.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unexpected Meeting: Geranium phaeum 'Blue Shadow', often referred to as the Dusky Cranesbill, carries the symbolism of an unexpected encounter or surprise. Its muted colors often blend into the background until closely inspected, similar to a chance meeting that might not have been immediately obvious.
- Sadness or Melancholy: The dark hues of the Dusky Cranesbill's flowers can evoke feelings of melancholy, making it a symbol for sadness or reflection. The 'mourning widow' nickname sometimes associated with the plant underlines this symbolism.
- True Friendship: Geraniums in general have been known to symbolize true friendship, and Dusky Cranesbill is no exception. Its hardiness and the way it weaves through the garden can represent the intertwining and resilience of a deep friendship.
- Foresight: Geraniums are sometimes associated with the ability to predict or anticipate events, possibly related to the plant's diverse growing places and the way some species can indicate the health of an environment.
- Good Health: The Geranium genus shares a common meaning around good health and longevity, likely due to its many medicinal uses in folk remedies and enduring presence in gardens.
WaterThe Dusky Cranesbill should be watered thoroughly, approximately once a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before the next watering. For outdoor plants, adjust watering frequency based on rainfall, watering more during dry spells. In a garden setting, it generally requires roughly 1 gallon of water per plant each week during the growing season, although container-grown specimens may demand a bit more due to faster drying of soil. Ensure that the water is distributed evenly around the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering to minimize leaf wetness and potential disease issues. During the winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to become completely dry.
LightDusky Cranesbill thrives in partial shade to full sun. The best spot for this plant is where it can receive morning sunlight but be protected from the intense heat of the afternoon. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight but prefers dappled or filtered light throughout the day for optimal growth.
TemperatureDusky Cranesbill prefers moderate temperatures and can survive a range from around 32°F to 75°F. The ideal temperature conditions for this plant are between 55°F and 65°F. It can tolerate some frost, but extreme cold or heat can be harmful to the plant.
PruningPruning is done to maintain the shape of the Dusky Cranesbill and encourage bushier growth. Prune lightly throughout the growing season to remove dead leaves and spent flowers, which promotes further blooming. The best time for a more significant pruning is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMourning Widow, or Geranium phaeum 'Blue Shadow', thrives in a soil mix comprised of loamy, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2. To create the best soil mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Adjust pH using lime (to increase) or sulfur (to decrease) according to the soil test results.
RepottingMourning Widow does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot. During repotting, ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one and has adequate drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingMourning Widow prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to a range of indoor humidity conditions. There is no need to provide additional humidity through misting or a humidifier, as ambient room humidity is typically sufficient for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For Mourning Widow, provide bright, indirect light and water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant Mourning Widow in partial shade and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium phaeum 'Blue Shadow', commonly known as Dusky Cranesbill, begins its life cycle when the seed germinates, typically in the spring, sending out roots and shoots. This perennial plant then enters a vegetative stage, producing a low mound of foliage made up of deeply lobed leaves that may have a dusky or purplish tinge. Following the vegetative phase, it initiates the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, presenting clusters of small, dusky purple flowers which contribute to pollination and cross-fertilization. After pollination, the plant sets seed within a beak-like capsule, and as the seeds mature by late summer or early autumn, they are released to the environment to initiate a new life cycle. During the winter, the above-ground parts of Dusky Cranesbill die back, while the rootstock remains dormant, conserving energy for the next growing season. Once spring arrives, the plant emerges from dormancy, restarting its growth and continuing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Geranium phaeum 'Blue Shadow', commonly known as dusky cranesbill, is typically propagated through division, which is best done in the spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant and gently separate it into smaller sections, making sure that each new piece has a part of the root system attached. These sections can then be immediately planted in well-prepared soil, watered in thoroughly, and should be kept moist until they establish themselves and start to grow independently. This method is favored for its simplicity and the quick establishment of new plants, allowing gardeners to efficiently produce new dusky cranesbills to expand their collection or share with others.
