About
Sanguinaria canadensis, the Canada puccoon or bloodroot, is a rhizomatous perennial with fleshy underground stems that exude vivid-red sap when cut. As the blue-grey, rounded, scalloped-edged leaves unfurl in spring, white-petalled flowers with yellow anthers appear � petals sometimes pink or grey-flushed on the reverse. A beautiful and rewarding woodland perennial for a shaded, moist border.
About the genus
Sanguinaria are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with kidney-shaped, lobed, blue-green leaves and cup-shaped, white flowers opening with the leaves in spring. Grown in shaded, moist, woodland borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toE North America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in sun or semi-shade in humus-rich, well-drained soil, such as a woodland garden
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or spring or by propagate by seed in autumn; germination can be erratic over the following 2 years
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free