Geranium sanguineum var. lancastriense (bloody cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium sanguineum var. lancastriense 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 var. lancastriense 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. It is native to Europe and N Turkey.

About

Geranium sanguineum var. lancastriense is a mound-forming or spreading perennial in the Geraniaceae. It has rounded, palmately lobed foliage that is deciduous or semi-evergreen and often aromatic. Flowering runs from June to September. It performs in full sun to partial shade on almost any reasonable, well‑drained soil.

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 var. lancastriense sits in the cranesbill family and originates from Europe and northern Turkey. As a perennial with a mound-forming or spreading habit it establishes low drifts or clumps rather than tall spikes, and its leaves are often aromatic when handled. Plant it in full sun to partial shade on loam, chalk, sand or clay provided the soil drains — it prefers well drained but not parched conditions and will tolerate acid, neutral or alkaline pH. Its exposure tolerance runs from sheltered spots to exposed sites, making it adaptable around the garden. In hardiness terms it covers H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy) and equates roughly to USDA zones 4–9, so it tolerates typical UK winters without special protection. Use Geranium sanguineum var. lancastriense at the front of borders, on banks and gravel areas, or where a low, spreading ground cover is needed between taller perennials. Its size and habit suit edging and underplanting in mixed beds where the foliage and repeated flowering from June to September can provide continuity. Crush a leaf to release its scent and you’ll notice the aromatic character that distinguishes the foliage.

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 var. lancastriense size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Native to: Europe, N Turkey

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium sanguineum var. lancastriense

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 var. lancastriense?

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 var. lancastriense?

Geranium sanguineum var. lancastriense prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium sanguineum var. lancastriense need?

Geranium sanguineum var. lancastriense 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 var. lancastriense?

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.