Geranium sanguineum (bloody cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium sanguineum is a mound-forming or spreading perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic foliage. Geranium sanguineum grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and ground cover. It is native to Europe and N Turkey.

About

Geranium sanguineum is a perennial cranesbill that forms a low mound or spreads across the ground. It bears rounded, palmately lobed leaves that are deciduous or semi-evergreen and often aromatic. Flowering takes place from June to September. It performs well in full sun to partial shade on almost any reasonable, well-drained soil.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium sanguineum

About the genus

Geranium is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums, hardy geraniums, or cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, with the greatest diversity in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region.

Wikipedia contributors, "Geranium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium

In the garden

Geranium sanguineum is a herbaceous perennial in the Geraniaceae, native to Europe and north Turkey. It establishes as a mound-forming or spreading plant with rounded, palmately lobed foliage that may be deciduous or semi-evergreen and is often aromatic at close range. Flowering runs from June to September, providing a steady summer display at low level. Plant it in full sun to partial shade; it tolerates any aspect and will grow in exposed or sheltered positions. Soil type is flexible — loam, chalk, sand or clay are all acceptable — but choose a spot that is well drained rather than parched. It accepts acid, neutral or alkaline pH and suits a wide range of garden conditions. Hardiness is H5–H7, meaning it is hardy to fully hardy across much of the UK, and it is also appropriate for USDA zones 4–9. The plant’s mound-forming habit makes it useful in mixed borders, on rock gardens or as a ground cover where a spreading, low-growing geranium is wanted. Place it at the front of a border or on a rockery edge so the low mound and aromatic leaves can be appreciated up close.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained but not parched
Aspect: Any
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5–H7

Plant details

Geranium sanguineum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, ground cover
Native to: Europe, N Turkey

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium sanguineum

Cultivation: Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.
Pruning: Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.
Propagation: Divide in spring or autumn. Many species self-seed freely, and basal cuttings suit cultivars that resent disturbance.
Pest resistance: Largely untroubled, though vine weevil grubs attack the roots of container plants and sawfly larvae occasionally strip leaves.
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew and rust may appear on congested plants in a dry summer; shearing back usually resolves both.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium sanguineum?

Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.

Where is the best place to plant Geranium sanguineum?

Geranium sanguineum prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium sanguineum need?

Geranium sanguineum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk and sand or clay. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained but not parched.

How do I prune Geranium sanguineum?

Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.