Mourning Widow Geranium phaeum 'Raven'
ABOUT
Geranium phaeum 'Raven', commonly known as dusky cranesbill or mourning widow, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is distinguished by its unique and attractive appearance. The foliage of this plant consists of deeply lobed leaves that are typically a rich, dark green color, creating a lush backdrop for the flowers. The leaves can sometimes exhibit maroon or dark patterning which contributes to its common names, evoking a somber and elegant feel. The flowers are the most striking feature of the dusky cranesbill, showcasing deep purple, almost black petals that have a velvety texture. These petals surround a center of prominent stamens that often have a contrasting color, adding to the dramatic effect of the flower. The blooms, which appear in late spring and early summer, are held above the foliage on delicate stems, creating a floating effect that adds to their appeal. The dark flowers provide an exceptional contrast with the greenery of the garden, making Geranium phaeum 'Raven' a plant of interest for gardeners looking to add depth and sophistication to their plantings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Mourning Widow, Dusky Cranesbill, Black Widow
Common names
Geranium phaeum 'Raven'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Dark purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects.
- Low Maintenance: This perennial is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Shade Tolerance: Geranium phaeum can thrive in partially shaded areas where other plants might struggle.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it has good resistance to dry conditions.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Decorative Appeal: With its deep purple, almost black flowers, it adds unique visual interest to garden spaces.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides cover and nesting opportunities for small wildlife.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in late spring to early summer, offering seasonal color.
- Naturalizing: It can spread to form natural drifts in woodland or natural-style gardens.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, underplanting, and woodland gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The darkly colored flowers and foliage of the mourning widow can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics.
- Photography: Because of its uniqueness and deep coloration, the mourning widow provides an excellent subject for botanical photography, especially in contrast with lighter-colored plants.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used in educational settings to teach about pollination and the role of different colors and shapes in attracting pollinators.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners may plant mourning widow with other shade-loving plants to create a varied and visually appealing garden space.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly eaten, the flowers can be used as an aesthetic, non-toxic garnish for culinary presentations.
- Ink Production: Similar to dyes, the pigments from the mourning widow could potentially be used in making natural inks for art or calligraphy.
- Horticultural Therapy: This plant can be used in therapeutic garden settings for its ease of care and tranquil, dark beauty, which can be soothing for participants.
- Floral Arrangements: The distinctive flowers can be used in floral arrangements, particularly for occasions where a more somber or unique aesthetic is desired.
- Green Roofing: Mourning widow can be incorporated into green roofing projects for its adaptability and low maintenance in shady conditions.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Its somber appearance makes it suitable for use in decorations or theming for Halloween and other fall festivities.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unexpected Beauty: Geranium phaeum 'Raven', commonly known as Mourning Widow or Dusky Cranesbill, sports dark and moody blooms that challenge traditional notions of floral beauty and can symbolize the unexpected allure found in darkness or sorrow.
- Resilience: The plant's ability to thrive in shadier conditions and its robust growing habit represent resilience and the capability to prosper despite adversity.
- Comfort: With its soft, billowy foliage and muted colors, the Mourning Widow geranium can denote comfort and solace, suggesting a calming presence in times of grief or stress.
- Solitude: The name "Mourning Widow" and its subtle flowers evoke a sense of solitude or solemn contemplation, often reflecting an inward journey or a period of remembrance.
- Balance: Geraniums in general symbolize both the harmony and balance found in nature, and the Mourning Widow may remind us of the equilibrium between light and shadow in our lives.
WaterMourning Widow prefers to be watered thoroughly, so the soil becomes evenly moist, and then allowed to slightly dry out before watering again. This typically means watering about once per week, although the frequency will depend on temperature and humidity. Provide about 1 gallon of water each time for a plant in a standard garden setting. Adjust the amount based on weather conditions, watering less during rainy periods and more during hot, dry spells. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
LightMourning Widow thrives best in partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun but should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf burn. The ideal spot for this plant is under the light canopy of trees or on the north or east side of buildings where it receives filtered light throughout the day.
TemperatureMourning Widow does well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers a cooler environment, with ideal growing temperatures being between 60°F and 75°F. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, making it suitable for gardens in USDA Zones 4 through 8. Protect the plant from extreme heat, as temperatures consistently above 80°F may stress the plant.
PruningMourning Widow should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom, typically after the first flowering in late spring or early summer. Deadheading encourages new growth and prevents the plant from self-seeding excessively. Cut back the entire plant by one-third after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for major pruning is in early spring or just after the last frost.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Dusky Cranesbill, or Geranium phaeum 'Raven', thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH of about 5.8 to 6.3. A good soil mix can be composed of loam, peat, and perlite to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Regular addition of organic matter such as compost will further enrich the soil and benefit the plant's growth.
RepottingDusky Cranesbill typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be done every 3 to 4 years. It's important to repot when you notice signs of the plant outgrowing its current container or if the soil has become compacted, preventing efficient drainage.
Humidity & MistingDusky Cranesbill prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to various conditions. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in a typical home or garden environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dusky Cranesbill in bright, indirect light and water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant Dusky Cranesbill in partial shade, in moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Geranium phaeum 'Raven', commonly known as Dusky Cranesbill, begins with the germination of seeds in moist, well-drained soil in early spring. After germination, the seedlings mature into rosettes of deep green, lobed leaves with a maroon tinge. As the plant grows, these rosettes rise on slender yet sturdy stems, leading to the development of distinctive purple-black flowers which typically bloom from late spring to early summer. Following pollination, often by bees, the flowers develop into beak-like seedpods that distribute seeds for the next generation. Throughout the summer, the plant may continue to produce lesser blooms sporadically. Heading into autumn, Dusky Cranesbill dies back to ground level, where the rootstock overwinters until the next growth cycle starts in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Geranium phaeum 'Raven', commonly known as Dusky Cranesbill, is most commonly propagated through division, which is best done in the spring or autumn. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently tease apart the clumps of roots and foliage, ensuring that each new piece has a good amount of roots and at least one growing point or shoot. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into well-prepared soil which should be moist but well-draining. Water the new plants in well after planting to help settle the soil around the roots and aid in recovery from the division process. Division not only helps to propagate new plants but also rejuvenates old clumps that may have become woody or less floriferous over time.
