Dusky Cranesbill Geranium phaeum 'Stillingfleet Ghost'
ABOUT
Geranium phaeum 'Stillingfleet Ghost', commonly known as dusky cranesbill, presents a unique and alluring appearance in the world of garden plants. This cultivar is known for its soft, almost ghostly, foliage which stands out in contrast to the more common green varieties. The leaves are deeply lobed with subtle veins and tinged with a silvery-white color that seems to shimmer lightly, giving the plant its 'ghostly' nickname. The dusky cranesbill produces delicate flowers that have an understated charm. These blossoms are typically a pale, faint lavender, or sometimes whitish, with dark purple markings that form a striking pattern at the center of each petal. These nectar-rich flowers are not only a feast for the eyes but also attract a variety of pollinators to the garden. The plant has an elegant growth habit, with its leaves and flowers emerging on long, thin stalks that imbue the plant with a sense of movement, as if it's swaying gently in the breeze. This characteristic delivers a soft, yet dramatic effect in any garden setting. In terms of seasonal appearance, the dusky cranesbill is a hardy perennial that sheds its leaves in winter in colder regions, only to re-emerge with its distinctive foliage and blossoms each spring and summer. This plant's unique coloration and form make it a desirable choice for gardeners looking to create a diverse and visually interesting garden palette.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Mourning Widow, Dusky Cranesbill
Common names
Geranium phaeum 'Stillingfleet Ghost'.
ToxicityTo humans
Dusky cranesbill, commonly referred to as Geranium phaeum 'Stillingfleet Ghost', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant as it does not contain any known toxic compounds that are harmful when touched or ingested.
To pets
Dusky cranesbill is also generally recognized as non-toxic to pets including cats and dogs. Ingesting parts of the plant should not lead to any serious toxicity or poisoning symptoms. However, gastrointestinal upset can occur if a pet ingests a large amount of any plant, so it's always best to prevent your pets from eating plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms of the dusky cranesbill offer nectar and pollen to bees and other beneficial insects, encouraging biodiversity in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Dusky cranesbill is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, which is ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Shade Tolerance: It can grow in partial shade, providing ground cover and interest in less sunny parts of the garden.
- Autumn Color: The foliage of dusky cranesbill can provide seasonal interest with color changes in the autumn.
- Decorative Foliage: The leaves are attractively lobed, sometimes with marbling or contrasting colors, adding texture to plant arrangements.
- Long Blooming Period: It typically has a long flowering period from late spring to early summer, providing visual interest for an extended time.
- Naturalizing: Dusky cranesbill can spread to form natural drifts, which can be useful for informal or cottage garden planting schemes.
- Rabbit Resistant: It is generally not favored by rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens frequented by wildlife.
- Soil Adaptable: It's adaptable to a range of soil conditions, although it prefers moist, well-drained ground, this adaptability is convenient for varied garden scenarios.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- A natural dye: The subtle hues of 'Stillingfleet Ghost' can be used to create gentle natural dyes for textiles, giving fabrics a unique and soft color.
- Garden sculpture: When the plant is dormant, its intricate framework can be sprayed with metallic paint to create a striking winter garden feature.
- Educational specimen: The variety can be used in horticultural programs to illustrate the process of breeding and selecting new plant cultivars.
- Photography: Its delicate flowers and unique foliage make 'Stillingfleet Ghost' an interesting subject for botanical photography.
- Companion planting: The plant can be used to underplant roses and other shrubs, helping to suppress weeds and provide a contrast in texture.
- Culinary decoration: Its flowers, though not widely known for culinary use, can be used as an ornamental garnish for desserts and salads, giving a sophisticated touch.
- Art inspiration: The ethereal appearance of 'Stillingfleet Ghost' can inspire artists to create paintings, drawings, or fabric designs.
- Garden competitions: This cultivar can be used as a unique entry in garden shows or horticultural competitions due to its distinctive appearance.
- Theme gardens: It's perfect for planting in a moon garden, where white and pale plants create a glowing effect in the twilight hours.
- Wildlife habitat: While not its primary purpose, 'Stillingfleet Ghost' can provide cover and nesting materials for small garden fauna like insects and birds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dusky Cranesbill is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dusky Cranesbill is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Nostalgia - Geraniums are often associated with memories and emotions from the past because they have been popular in gardens for generations.
- True Friendship - The long-lasting nature of geranium blossoms symbolizes enduring relationships.
- Comfort and Healing - Geraniums are believed to have a calming effect, providing solace and promoting recovery.
WaterFor the Mourning Widow geranium, it's best to maintain consistently moist soil without overwatering. Water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically equates to about once a week. Adjust the frequency depending on weather conditions, watering more often during prolonged hot, dry spells, and less during cooler, cloudy periods. Provide roughly 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring it reaches the root zone without leaving the soil waterlogged.
LightThe Mourning Widow geranium thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for a spot that receives dappled sunlight or only morning sun. Avoid placing it in full afternoon sun, as this can scorch the delicate leaves. A northern or eastern exposure that offers bright but indirect light is best for the health and blooming of this plant.
TemperatureMourning Widow geranium prefers temperate conditions and can generally survive in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F. It's hardy to USDA zones 4 through 8, withstanding minimum winter temperatures of around -30°F. The ideal growing conditions for the plant would be daytime temperatures around 65°F to 70°F.
PruningPruning the Mourning Widow geranium is essential to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Perform heavier pruning in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged growth and to shape the plant; this will also rejuvenate the plant for the upcoming growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDusky cranesbill (Geranium phaeum 'Stillingfleet Ghost') thrives best in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, such as compost or peat, to retain moisture yet well-draining to prevent root rot. It performs well in neutral to slightly alkaline pH levels, around 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingDusky cranesbill does not generally require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or as needed if it becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingDusky cranesbill prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable and can tolerate both dry and more humid conditions without any specific requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Geranium phaeum 'Stillingfleet Ghost', commonly known as Dusky Cranesbill, begins with seed germination, which is best done in a cold frame during early spring or directly outdoors after the threat of frost has passed. The seedlings undergo vegetative growth, developing a rosette of leaves and establishing a strong root system. Over time, the plant matures and enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, producing its distinctive pale lavender to white flowers. After pollination, typically by bees, the plant forms seeds, which are encased in a beak-like fruit that gives the plant its common name. The plant is perennial, dying back to the ground in winter after senescence, but regrows from the rootstock the following spring. Dusky Cranesbill can also propagate vegetatively through division of the root system in early spring or fall.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
For the Dusky Cranesbill, or Geranium phaeum 'Stillingfleet Ghost', division is the most popular and effective method of propagation. The best time to carry out this process is either in spring or autumn. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant ensuring that you get a good amount of the root system. Gently tease apart sections of the clump, making sure that each new piece has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions immediately, spacing them about 12 to 15 inches (approximately 30 to 38 centimeters) apart to give them enough room to grow. Water thoroughly after planting to help establish them in their new locations. Division not only helps to propagate new plants but can also rejuvenate older clumps that have become woody and less floriferous over time.
