Overview
Geranium sanguineum 'Album' is a trailing herbaceous perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Geranium sanguineum 'Album' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, attractive to pollinators and low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, rock garden, wildlife gardens and wildflower meadow.
About
This herbaceous perennial features a spreading growth form and an open structure. Its foliage consists of small, dark green leaves that are segmented into narrow lobes, displaying attractive autumn hues. In summer, it produces pure white flowers that measure 4 cm across.
About the genus
Geraniums encompass a variety of growth forms, including annuals, biennials, and perennials. These plants can be herbaceous or evergreen and feature rounded leaves that are typically palmately lobed or divided. Their flowers are characterized by a loose arrangement and consist of five petals.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Geranium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Geranium sanguineum 'Album' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Geranium sanguineum 'Album'
- Cultivation
- Grow in any, moderately fertile soil apart from waterlogged soils. Full sun or partial shade is best but shade is tolerated
- Pruning
- Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring or propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to vine weevil, capsid bug and sawflies
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Geranium sanguineum 'Album'?
Grow in any, moderately fertile soil apart from waterlogged soils. Full sun or partial shade is best but shade is tolerated.
Where is the best place to plant Geranium sanguineum 'Album'?
Geranium sanguineum 'Album' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Geranium sanguineum 'Album' need?
Geranium sanguineum 'Album' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Geranium sanguineum 'Album'?
Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers.
How big does Geranium sanguineum 'Album' grow?
Geranium sanguineum 'Album' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Geranium sanguineum 'Album' hardy in the UK?
Geranium sanguineum 'Album' has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Geranium sanguineum 'Album'?
Propagate by division in spring or propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat.
Is Geranium sanguineum 'Album' good for pollinators?
Yes — Geranium sanguineum 'Album' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.