About
Geranium sanguineum, the bloody cranesbill, is a hardy, bushy, spreading, rhizomatous perennial to 20 cm with palm-shaped, narrowly lobed, dark-green leaves. Vivid magenta-pink flowers with darker veining are produced freely from June through to August. An excellent and long-flowering cranesbill for a rock garden or effective as ground cover.
About the genus
Geranium, the cranesbills, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous or evergreen perennials with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves and loose clusters of rounded, five-petalled flowers in white, pink, purple or blue. Among the most versatile and garden-worthy of all perennial genera.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitTrailing
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Rock garden
Native toEurope, N Turkey
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile soil apart from waterlogged soils. For best growth and flowering, plant in full sun or partial shade
PruningRemove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed, basal cuttings or division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptble to vine weevil, capsid bug and sawflies
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews