Geranium phaeum Samobor

The Samobor perennial Geranium phaeum, also known as Brown Geranium, Dark Geranium, or Livid Geranium, is a sturdy herbaceous perennial, very hardy. It blooms in spring, offering numerous small purple-maroon flowers, carried in loose clusters well above the foliage, inclined downwards, with curiously curved petals. It forms a small semi-evergreen bush, resilient against the wind. Its tender green foliage maculated with chocolate-purple is already delightful. Here is a very reliable plant, discreet in character but with a strong temperament. A dark king in the land of shade, even occasionally dry.

The Samobor perennial Geranium phaeum belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It originates from Geranium phaeum, native to a wide area stretching from the Pyrenees to the Balkans. It forms a clump of semi-evergreen foliage, 75 cm (30in) tall when in bloom, 30 cm (12in) for the foliage, and 45 cm (0 and 18in) wide. It has a dense and erect habit. The flowering occurs in May-June. The flower itself is relatively discreet, measuring only 2 cm (1in) in diameter, but it is richly coloured in purple-maroon-violet, with a lighter ring in the center, the heart is crowned with gracefully curved stamens around the pistil. The flowers are very numerous, arranged in clusters along slender floral stems that stand out distinctly from the foliage. The leaves are lobed and dissected, widely maculated in the center with chocolate-purple on a tender green background.

Geranium phaeum 'Samobor' does not exhibit a flashy and spectacular flowering because its flowers are small and dark. However, the clumps do not go unnoticed in May. This plant is ideal for the 2nd layer of shaded flower beds. It is interesting for its foliage that fills shaded corners nicely. In the undergrowth, it is a good companion for acid-green euphorbias and pastel-toned lungworts. The slightly lower and lighter flowering Geranium nodosum will fulfill the same functions in the shade. Plant it along a path to the North or East, among ferns and bergenia, in front of hydrangeas, rhododendrons, camellias. It will blend very well with all shade and semi-shade perennials such as fuchsias, hostas, periwinkles, hellebores, epimediums.