I intended to post this for Pam Penick's "Foliage Follow-up' earlier this month, but the date slipped by before I realized it. This is one of the true or perennial Geraniums, G. phaeum 'Springtime'. The phaeums are also known as "mourning widows" for the dark and somber color of the blooms. Most are a deep burgundy trending toward black, similar to a 'Black Parrot' or 'Queen of the Night' Tulip flower. That color is the reason usually given for their quirky name. But the Digging Dog nursery catalog notes that a Mr. Jason Hill suggests that "their subdued vivacity suggests a widow who has ceased to mourn." Hmmm . . .
G. phaeum 'Springtime' is the most vigorous of the half dozen varieties of G. phaeum that I grow. The leaves are larger, the dark blotches more pronounced and the whole plant looks better all season than any of the other phaeums I grow. This suggests I need to do a personal "foliage follow-up" to figure out how much of these differences are due to the locations where they are planted or to the different phaeum varieties themselves. Personally, except for leaf size, I think it's location, location, location.
G. phaeum 'Springtime' is planted in light shade in loamy soil that stays modestly moist. Most of my other phaeums are in deeper and much drier shade. I need to move a few of the latter plants and see what happens if I partner them with G. phaeum 'Springtime' in better soil and light. Maybe they will cease to mourn!
Ha...mourners in the garden. I am the only one that mourns here. ha...
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Friday, September 25, 2015 at 07:23 AM
I love a plant that has beautiful flowers and fascinating foliage with staying power throughout the season. This looks like a winner.
Posted by: Beth @ PlantPostings | Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 11:20 PM