Mourning Widow Geranium phaeum 'Golden Spring'
ABOUT
Geranium phaeum 'Golden Spring', commonly referred to as dusky cranesbill, is a perennial plant known for its distinct foliage and flowers. The leaves of dusky cranesbill are particularly notable for their vibrant, golden green hue often emerging in spring. As the season progresses, the foliage may mature to a deeper green, but new growth often retains the brighter coloration. The leaves are typically rounded with deep lobes, giving them a somewhat serrated appearance along the edges. Adding interest to the plant, dusky cranesbill blooms with small, nodding flowers that are a deep maroon to purple, providing a striking contrast against the bright leaves. The flowers consist of five rounded petals and feature a veined pattern which can be more pronounced, making them quite attractive to garden admirers. Despite their delicate look, these flowers can contribute significantly to the overall charm of the plant. Over time, as the plant matures, it forms a mounding habit, which creates an appealing, bushy appearance in garden beds and borders. The dusky cranesbill offers a beautiful combination of golden spring foliage and deep purple flowers, making it a refreshing and eye-catching addition to any garden looking for plants with season-long interest.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Dusky Cranesbill, Mourning Widow, Black Widow.
Common names
Geranium phaeum 'Golden Spring'.
ToxicityTo humans
Dusky cranesbill, commonly known as Geranium phaeum 'Golden Spring', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of poisoning or serious health effects from ingesting this plant. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid consuming plants that are not typically recognized as food items, as individual reactions can vary.
To pets
Dusky cranesbill is also regarded as non-toxic to pets. It is unlikely to cause harm if your pet happens to ingest parts of the plant. Nonetheless, monitoring your pet for any unusual symptoms and keeping an eye on their overall health is always a good precautionary measure. If you suspect your pet is reacting negatively after consuming any plant, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds bright color to the garden with its distinctive golden foliage in spring and dark, maroon flowers.
- Ease of Care: Known for being a low-maintenance plant requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees and other pollinators, which are vital for the health of gardens and ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for drier climates.
- Versatility: Suitable for shady areas where many other plants struggle, thus providing color in challenging parts of the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest throughout spring and summer, with potential year-round interest in milder climates.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for wildlife, particularly beneficial for supporting local biodiversity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The leaves and flowers of the Geranium phaeum, also known as Dusky Cranesbill, can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, giving a range of colors from greens to browns depending on the mordant used.
- In ornamental gardens: Dusky Cranesbill can serve as a ground cover in shaded garden areas where other plants might struggle due to low light conditions.
- For culinary decoration: Though not common, the petals of Dusky Cranesbill can occasionally be used to decorate salads and desserts in high-end culinary presentations.
- As a companion plant: Dusky Cranesbill can be planted alongside vegetable gardens to help attract beneficial insects and increase biodiversity.
- In educational settings: This plant can be used in schools or educational workshops to teach about plant life cycles and pollination, as they are easy to grow and observe.
- For artistic inspiration: Artists and photographers might use Dusky Cranesbill as a subject due to its unique foliage and flower shape, providing aesthetic value in their work.
- As a natural potpourri: Dried leaves and flowers of the Dusky Cranesbill can be included in potpourri mixes for a subtle fragrance in the home.
- In basketry and weaving: Stems of the Dusky Cranesbill can be incorporated into basketry and weaving projects for texture and natural color.
- For crafting handmade paper: Added to pulp, the fibers of Dusky Cranesbill can contribute to the texture and appearance of handmade paper products.
- Inclusion in wildlife gardens: The Dusky Cranesbill can be planted to provide a habitat and food source for local insects, particularly bees and butterflies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Dusky Cranesbill is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Dusky Cranesbill is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unexpected happiness: With its sudden bursts of color in early spring, Dusky Cranesbill symbolizes joy or happiness that may come unexpectedly into one's life.
- True friendship: The enduring nature of Geraniums in general can represent deep and lasting friendships, suggesting a bond that remains steady through time.
- Comfort: Often planted in cottage gardens, Dusky Cranesbill is associated with a sense of home and comfort, possibly symbolizing solace and familiarity.
- Healing: Historically, many geraniums have been used in herbal remedies for healing various ailments, thereby symbolizing health and healing.
WaterThe dusky cranesbill should be watered regularly during its growing season. Typically, this means watering it once a week with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water. Ensure the top inch of soil is dry before watering again to prevent overwatering. During hot, dry periods, the frequency may increase, and it might require additional water to keep the soil consistently moist. In winter, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy, but don't let the soil completely dry out.
LightDusky cranesbill thrives in partial shade to full sun. It prefers a spot that offers morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in regions with hot summers. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe dusky cranesbill prefers moderate temperatures and can generally handle conditions between 50°F and 75°F. This perennial can survive winter chills down to about 20°F and can tolerate summer highs up to around 85°F. However, it grows best when the temperature remains within the ideal range.
PruningPruning the dusky cranesbill is important for encouraging bushier growth and more vigorous blooms. Prune or deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. The best time for a more thorough pruning is in late autumn or early spring, when you can cut back the entire plant to a few inches above ground level to maintain its shape and health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDusky cranesbill (Geranium phaeum 'Golden Spring') requires well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, a pH range of 5.8 to 6.5 is ideal. A mixture of loam, compost, and sand in equal parts creates an optimal environment for this plant's growth.
RepottingDusky cranesbill should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth, though it is not overly sensitive to becoming root-bound.
Humidity & MistingDusky cranesbill thrives in average room humidity levels, but it can tolerate a range of conditions. There's no need for special humidity adjustments for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil dries.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, water regularly, enrich soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Geranium phaeum 'Golden Spring', commonly known as dusky cranesbill, begins from seed germination, where the seeds sown in the soil sprout and develop into young seedlings when provided with the right conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedlings then grow into mature plants with characteristic golden-green foliage and small, nodding, maroon-colored flowers that appear in late spring to early summer. After flowering, pollination occurs, often facilitated by insects, leading to the formation of seed capsules which then ripen and release seeds when mature, completing the reproductive cycle. Over the season, the plant may go into a period of dormancy, especially in cooler climates, with the foliage dying back in the autumn. With the arrival of spring, the plant emerges from dormancy, rejuvenates its foliage, and prepares for the next cycle of flowering and seed production, continuing its perennial growth habit. Periodic dividing and replanting every few years ensure the plant retains its vigor and flowering potential.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early Summer
Geranium phaeum 'Golden Spring', commonly known as Dusky Cranesbill, is typically propagated by division, which is often regarded as the most popular method. The best time to propagate by division is either in early spring as new growth appears or in the fall. To propagate Dusky Cranesbill through division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring you get a good amount of the root system. Then, using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with at least one growing point. Replant each section at the same depth it was originally growing at, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Water the new plantings well to help establish them. This method is effective for propagating and also rejuvenating older plants that may become woody and less vigorous with time.
