Dusky Cranesbill Geranium phaeum 'Calligrapher'
ABOUT
The Geranium phaeum 'Calligrapher', commonly known as dusky cranesbill, is a perennial plant with a distinctly elegant appearance. Its foliage is deeply lobed with a rich, dark green hue, sometimes with a maroon or bronze tinge. The leaves can also showcase marbling in lighter greens or creamy white, adding to its ornamental value. During its flowering season, the dusky cranesbill produces striking flowers. These blooms are characterized by their dark purple to maroon color, with petals that may have a lighter or white edge. These blossoms stand out for having a unique pattern that resembles calligraphy ink strokes or fine etchings, hence the name 'Calligrapher'. The flowers are borne on slender stems, which rise gracefully above the mound of foliage, providing a delicate contrast to the robust leaves. The overall appearance of this geranium cultivar is one of understated beauty and textural contrast, making it a favorite among gardeners for adding depth and intrigue to the garden palette.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Dusky Cranesbill, Mourning Widow
Common names
Geranium phaeum 'Calligrapher'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Geranium, also known as Crane's-bill, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant is not usually associated with serious side effects or symptoms of poisoning. However, like any non-food plant, individual sensitivities such as mild gastrointestinal upset cannot be entirely ruled out if ingested in large quantities or in individuals with particular susceptibilities.
To pets
For pets, Geraniums, or Crane's-bills, are also regarded as non-toxic. They are not known to cause serious illness or symptoms of poisoning if pets ingest parts of the plant. Nonetheless, as with humans, some pets may possibly experience mild digestive upset if they consume significant portions of the plant, although this is not commonly reported or expected to be severe.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Geranium phaeum 'Calligrapher', commonly known as Dusky Cranesbill, invites bees and other beneficial insects to the garden, aiding in pollination.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its distinctive dark purple markings on deep green leaves and dark flowers, Dusky Cranesbill adds visual interest to shade gardens.
- Tolerates Shade: It thrives in shady areas where other plants might struggle, making it ideal for woodland settings or dim garden spots.
- Drought Resistant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Ground Cover: Its growth habit makes it effective for covering bare spots in the garden, helping to suppress weeds.
- Seasonal Interest: Dusky Cranesbill provides extended blooming from late spring into early summer, adding long-term color to the garden.
- Wildlife Friendly: The plant can provide habitat and food for wildlife, including caterpillars of certain butterflies.
- Soil Adaptability: It is adaptable to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, fertile ground.
- Division and Propagation: Easily propagated by division, it can be used to create more plants for other areas of the garden or for sharing with fellow gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Textile dyeing: The petals and leaves of the Geranium phaeum can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, producing a variety of colors depending on the mordants used.
- Educational tool: This plant can be used in school projects to teach students about pollination, as it attracts a variety of bees and insects essential for pollination.
- Craft projects: The flowers and leaves can be pressed and used for making bookmarks, greeting cards, or other decorative paper crafts.
- Photography subject: Its distinctive dark flowers can provide a unique and compelling subject for macro and botanical photographers.
- Culinary garnish: While not commonly consumed, the flowers can be used as an edible garnish for salads or desserts for a touch of elegance. However, it's important to ensure they are safe and chemical-free if choosing to do so.
- Botanical illustration: The Geranium phaeum, with its intricate details and form, is an excellent candidate for botanical artists looking to capture the diversity of plant life in their work.
- Ice cubes: Freeze small flowers inside ice cubes to create visually appealing additions to summer drinks or punch bowls.
- Color inspiration: The plant's deep purple shades can serve as inspiration for interior design color schemes or for fashion designers selecting fabric colors.
- Nature crafts: Use the dried flower heads to make natural potpourri mixes or incorporate them into homemade candles.
- Floral arrangements: While not a traditional cut flower, it can be used to create interesting and unique compositions in floral design, adding a wild and natural touch to arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unexpected happiness – Geraniums can symbolize pleasant surprises and joyful moments that come from unexpected places.
- Friendship – Gifted as a token of friendship, geraniums represent the bonds and positive feelings between friends.
- Good health – Often geraniums are associated with the wish for good health or used to convey a message of healing.
- Balancing emotions – The Geranium phaeum 'Calligrapher', with its intricate petal patterns, could represent the human quest for emotional balance and harmony.
WaterDusky cranesbill should be watered deeply once per week during active growing seasons, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In periods of drought or extreme heat, increase the frequency to twice per week. During winter, reduce watering to every other week or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. To water the plant, provide about 1 gallon of water at each watering session, being careful to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease.
LightDusky cranesbill thrives in partial shade to full sun. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Too much intense midday sun may scorch the leaves, whereas too much shade can reduce flowering and cause leggy growth.
TemperatureDusky cranesbill is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 80°F, though it grows best in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. This range provides the ideal environment for robust growth and flowering. The plant is adaptable but prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range may stress the plant and impede its health and blooming.
PruningDusky cranesbill should be pruned to remove spent flowers, which encourages new blooms and prevents self-seeding if not desired. Prune in early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to shape the plant. Pruning can be done again after the first flush of flowers fades to tidy the plant and potentially promote a second bloom. The best time for major pruning is after the blooming season or in late winter before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Mourning Widow, also known as Geranium phaeum 'Calligrapher', thrives best in a soil mix that is rich, moist, and well-draining, with a good amount of organic matter such as compost or leaf mold. A soil pH that is neutral to slightly alkaline, around 6.5 to 7.5, is ideal for this plant.
RepottingThe Mourning Widow should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish the soil and give the roots space to grow. However, as a hardy perennial, it's often grown outdoors where frequent repotting is not necessary.
Humidity & MistingThe Mourning Widow does not require high humidity and can thrive in the average humidity levels found in most home environments. This plant is adaptable to outdoor conditions where it can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium phaeum 'Calligrapher', commonly known as dusky cranesbill, begins its life cycle as a seed which typically germinates during spring when soil temperatures warm up. After germination, the seedling establishes its root system and produces its first true leaves, entering its vegetative growth phase where it develops a robust clump of foliage. Throughout spring and into early summer, the dusky cranesbill transitions into the flowering stage, where it produces its characteristic dark maroon to violet flowers, which attract pollinators, such as bees. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, and once mature, these capsules dehisce, distributing seeds around the parent plant. The plant may enter a period of dormancy during the late fall and winter months, where it conserves energy until favorable conditions return in spring. Perennial by nature, dusky cranesbill can live for several years, repeating this growth cycle annually, with the potential to spread and colonize new areas through both seed and vegetative propagation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Geranium phaeum, commonly known as dusky cranesbill or mourning widow, is best propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. Division should be done in early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the root ball into sections, ensuring that each section has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. These sections can then be immediately replanted in well-prepared soil, spacing them about 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method of propagation is quick and reliable, and it also helps to rejuvenate older plants that may have become woody or less vigorous.
