Geranium sanguineum var. striatum (striped bloody cranesbill) — Matforming

Overview

Geranium sanguineum var. striatum is a matforming alpine rockery 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 var. striatum grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds, ground cover, underplanting of roses and shrubs and banks and slopes. It is native to Europe.

About

Geranium sanguineum var. striatum, commonly known as striped bloody cranesbill, is a matforming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Geranium genus. This deciduous alpine rockery plant typically grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It is adaptable to a variety of light conditions, thriving in full sun, partial shade, or full shade, and can be grown in exposed or sheltered locations. The cultivar prefers moist but well-drained or well-drained soils, including chalk, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. It is notable for its interest during the winter season.

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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Geranium sanguineum var. striatum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Alpine Rockery, 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: Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Banks and slopes
Native to: Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium sanguineum var. striatum

Cultivation: Prefers moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for alpine rockeries and ground cover.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: Division, Basal cuttings, Seed
Pest resistance: Vine weevil, Sawflies, Slugs, Snails, Capsid bug, Geranium sawfly, Glasshouse leafhopper, Root mealybugs, Aphids, Caterpillars, Thrips, Fungus gnats, Glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews, Downy mildews, Virus diseases, Pelargonium rust, Grey moulds, Black leg

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium sanguineum var. striatum?

Prefers moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for alpine rockeries and ground cover.

Where is the best place to plant Geranium sanguineum var. striatum?

Geranium sanguineum var. striatum prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium sanguineum var. striatum need?

Geranium sanguineum var. striatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.