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 4.0Geranium

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

Browse all Geranium