Mourning Widow Geranium phaeum var. phaeum 'Samobor'

Names

• Synonyms

  Dusky Cranesbill, Mourning Widow, Black Widow

• Common names

  Geranium phaeum 'Samobor'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Dusky Cranesbill is generally considered non-toxic to humans and is not known to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning when ingested. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is always best to avoid eating plants that are not specifically meant for consumption to prevent any potential adverse reactions.

• To pets

  Dusky Cranesbill is generally considered safe and non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause poisoning in dogs, cats, or other household animals if ingested. As with humans, it is always wise to discourage pets from consuming plants that are not intended as food to avoid the possibility of upset stomachs or other individual adverse reactions.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Maroon

• Height

  2 feet (60 cm)

• Spread

  1.5 feet (45 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: 'Samobor' provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, encouraging biodiversity.
• Low Maintenance: The plant is known for its ease of care, requiring minimal attention once established in the garden.
• Shade Tolerant: It thrives in partially shaded areas where many other plants struggle, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shady borders.
• Ornamental Foliage: Distinctive marbled leaves offer visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
• Seasonal Interest: Produces attractive deep purple flowers in late spring to early summer, providing seasonal color.
• Drought Resistant: Once established, it can withstand periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Its foliage and flowers are typically unappealing to deer and rabbits, which can help prevent damage to the plant.
• Ground Cover: The plant can spread to form a dense mat, suppressing weeds and reducing soil erosion.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Geranium 'Samobor' can be used as a natural dye source, the leaves and flowers may produce subtle shades of color when used in fabric dyeing processes.
• The dense foliage of Geranium 'Samobor' provides excellent ground cover, which can help prevent soil erosion in vulnerable areas.
• Floral arrangements can benefit from the inclusion of Geranium 'Samobor' for its unique foliage and dark, patterned leaves which add contrast and interest.
• In garden design, Geranium 'Samobor' can be used to create a 'living border' that defines garden spaces without the need for artificial or physical barriers.
• The leaves of the Geranium 'Samobor' can be used in potpourri mixes to contribute an earthy scent and interesting texture.
• Gardeners can use the plant to attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination in the garden.
• Mourning Bride, as the plant is also known, can symbolize a visual remembrance in a garden dedicated to lost loved ones due to its somber colored flowers.
• Artists and illustrators may find inspiration in the intricate leaf patterns and deep purple flowers of Geranium 'Samobor' for their botanical drawings and designs.
• The plant can be part of a sensory garden, offering various textures from its leaves and flowers for tactile stimulation.
• Its ability to thrive in shady areas makes Geranium 'Samobor' a useful plant for creating green roofs or living walls in low-light urban environments.

Feng Shui

The Mourning Widow is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Mourning Widow is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Unexpected Meeting: The Geranium phaeum 'Samobor', commonly known as Dusky Crane's-bill, often represents an unexpected encounter due to its ability to pop up and thrive in unexpected places in the garden.
• Friendship: Many geraniums symbolize friendship because of their amiable growing habits, forming close-knit clusters of plants, which can be likened to close groups of friends.
• Stalwartness: The hardiness and resilience of the Dusky Crane's-bill suggest a quality of stalwartness, as it persists and grows well even in less than ideal conditions.
• Ingenuity: The attractive and varied foliage of this geranium, especially the marbled patterns on 'Samobor' leaves, embodies creativity and ingenuity.
• True Comfort: The homely and comforting flowers of geraniums like 'Samobor' can represent the simplicity and solace of true comfort, reminiscent of a cozy, welcoming home.