Geranium phaeum, and its cultivars, prefer reliably moist to damp soils with some shade. When planting, incorporate a scoop of well-rotted compost into the planting hole and water in well. Once established, in midsummer rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded, by removing old flowered stems and leaves. After a couple of seasons, lift and divide large clumps in spring to maintain plant health and vigour.