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

Overview

Geranium sanguineum 'Glenluce' 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 'Glenluce' 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 Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

About

Geranium sanguineum 'Glenluce' is a mound-forming perennial prized for its bright crimson flowers produced from June to September. It spreads to form low clumps with rounded, palmately lobed leaves that are deciduous or sometimes semi-evergreen. Plants prefer full sun to partial shade and will tolerate any reasonable soil so long as it drains and does not remain parched. Hardy in most UK gardens (H5–H7), it suits borders, rock gardens and use as ground cover.

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 'Glenluce' originates from parts of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, where it grows as a hardy, herbaceous perennial. In the garden it forms a mound‑forming or spreading habit that produces single, crimson flowers through the main summer months, specifically June to September. Plants overwinter from the crown and return in spring to reshoot from a compact base. Give it full sun to partial shade and any reasonable soil type — loam, chalk, sand or clay — provided the ground is well drained and not parched. It tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline soils and will cope in exposed or sheltered positions and any aspect. The UK hardiness range H5–H7 means it is hardy to fully hardy and will survive usual winter conditions across most regions. Use 'Glenluce' to create drifts in mixed borders, to edge gravel or rock gardens, or as a low ground cover beneath taller perennials. Leaves are rounded and palmately lobed and are often aromatic when crushed, a useful identification detail during summer pruning or when tidying beds.

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 'Glenluce' 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: Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium sanguineum 'Glenluce'

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 'Glenluce'?

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 'Glenluce'?

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

What soil does Geranium sanguineum 'Glenluce' need?

Geranium sanguineum 'Glenluce' 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 'Glenluce'?

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.