Geranium pratense Black Beauty ('Nodbeauty') (PBR)
cranesbill
Few hardy geraniums offer such striking contrast, with rich burgundy-purple foliage providing the perfect backdrop for a succession of soft lilac-blue blooms. Geranium pratense Black Beauty forms a compact, clump-forming mound of deeply cut leaves that emerge with a dramatic dark flush and hold their colour well through the growing season.
From summer to early autumn, softly hairy red stems rise above the foliage carrying vivid scarlet buds that open into elegant, cup to saucer-shaped flowers measuring around 3.5-4.5cm (1½-1¾in) across. The delicate lavender-blue petals create an eye-catching display that brightens sunny borders, cottage gardens and wildlife-friendly planting schemes, while also making an excellent companion to ornamental grasses and silver or lime-green foliage.
Rich in nectar and recognised by the RHS as a plant for pollinators, it attracts bees and other beneficial insects throughout its long flowering period. Easy to grow and dependable year after year, this ornamental cranesbill is an excellent choice for adding bold foliage, lasting colour and seasonal interest with minimal maintenance once established.
From summer to early autumn, softly hairy red stems rise above the foliage carrying vivid scarlet buds that open into elegant, cup to saucer-shaped flowers measuring around 3.5-4.5cm (1½-1¾in) across. The delicate lavender-blue petals create an eye-catching display that brightens sunny borders, cottage gardens and wildlife-friendly planting schemes, while also making an excellent companion to ornamental grasses and silver or lime-green foliage.
Rich in nectar and recognised by the RHS as a plant for pollinators, it attracts bees and other beneficial insects throughout its long flowering period. Easy to grow and dependable year after year, this ornamental cranesbill is an excellent choice for adding bold foliage, lasting colour and seasonal interest with minimal maintenance once established.
How to care for Geranium pratense Black Beauty ('Nodbeauty') (PBR):
Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil, where it will settle in and flower reliably each summer. Once established it becomes lower maintenance, though watering in prolonged dry spells helps maintain growth.
Cut back faded flower stems after the first flush to encourage fresh foliage and sometimes a second, lighter wave of blooms. In autumn, remove old growth to keep the clump tidy, and divide mature plants every few years to reinvigorate them and maintain strong flowering.
Cut back faded flower stems after the first flush to encourage fresh foliage and sometimes a second, lighter wave of blooms. In autumn, remove old growth to keep the clump tidy, and divide mature plants every few years to reinvigorate them and maintain strong flowering.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.45m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
