Overview
Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' is a matforming 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 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, ground cover and containers. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
About
Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' (bloody cranesbill) is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the Geraniaceae family. It grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres over 2 to 5 years, with deciduous foliage. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for all garden aspects and exposures. It adapts well to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained or well-drained soils across a range of pH levels. 'Max Frei' offers seasonal interest in both summer and winter.
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
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
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Ground cover, Containers
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei'
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei'?
Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' need?
Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' 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 big does Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' grow?
Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' hardy in the UK?
Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei'?
Seed, Division, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Geranium genus
- Geranium 'Blue Cloud'

- Geranium 'Brookside'Geranium

- Geranium 'Claridge Druce'Crane's Bill

- Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'Johnson's Blue Cranesbill

- Geranium 'Nimbus'Geranium
- Geranium 'Orion'

- Geranium 'Patricia'

- Geranium 'Purple Rain'cranesbill 'Purple Rain'
