Geranium Midnight Ghost

Geranium ‘Midnight Ghost’ is a strikingly beautiful hardy geranium, loved for its bewitching dark foliage and its delicate, papery-white flowers that appear from late spring into early summer. Low-growing and wonderfully easy to live with, it’s an effortless way to introduce eye-catching contrast and texture in borders, pots and containers—especially when paired with brighter greens, silvers or vivid flowering companions.

The finely cut leaves are a real feature in their own right. Fresh growth emerges in a sumptuous deep purple, almost black, before maturing to rich green with a distinctive purple edging. As the season progresses, subtle touches of pink highlight the stems and flower buds, adding an extra layer of detail up close. A beautiful, versatile plant that brings long-lasting interest even when it’s not in flower.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant bare roots in autumn through to early spring while dormant, avoiding periods when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

Where to Plant:
Choose a position in sun or partial shade. Geraniums thrive in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil and are ideal for mixed borders, cottage gardens, wildlife-friendly planting, or ground cover beneath shrubs and roses.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant so the crown (growing point) sits just below the soil surface (around 1–3 cm).
• Spacing: Space 40–50 cm (16–20 inches) apart to allow room to form a neat clump.
• Soil Prep: Mix in compost or well-rotted organic matter to help retain moisture and support strong growth.

Watering:
Water well after planting. Keep the soil evenly moist while the plant establishes. Once settled, hardy geraniums are low-maintenance and only need extra watering during prolonged dry spells.

Aftercare Tips:

• After the first flush of flowers, you can shear back spent stems to encourage a fresh flush of foliage and sometimes a little repeat flowering.
• Apply a light mulch in spring to retain moisture and feed the plant.
• Divide clumps every 3–5 years in spring or autumn to maintain vigour.
• Cut back old growth in late autumn or early spring as new shoots appear.

Top Tip:
Geranium ‘Midnight Ghost’ is especially effective planted in drifts where its marbled foliage creates a ribbon of colour through the border. Try it with Heucheras, Hostas, Brunnera and silver-leaved plants for a striking contrast, and let bees enjoy the summer blooms.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
June - August

Height:
14–18" (35–45cm)

Spread:
18–24" (45–60cm)

Position:
Sun / Partial shade

Hardy Perennial