Sunshine’s Macro Monday: Geranium Phaeum

Geranium phaeum commonly has dark blooms as its folk name, dusky cranesbill, implies and the dark splashed foliage that can be glimpsed in the foreground. Jazzier varieties include Geranium phaeum ‘Alec’s Pink’, Geranium phaeum ‘Kora’ and Geranium phaeum ‘Lavender Pinwheel’ – this looks like a mix of all three. I photographed it under the close direction of John Bent in his private garden, Weeping Ash, a few years ago.

I’d have linked to Bents’ Garden Centre’s website, but they aren’t listing any. Instead I turned to Claire Austin, daughter of the late David Austin, and an expert on peonies, irises and perennials. You’ll find more about phaeums on her website.

I’m sharing this for Sunshine’s Macro Monday. I picked the most sunshiney one I could find, Irene, to contrast your Darth Vader!