Also known as Bloodroot · 105 gardener saves
Sanguinaria: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Sanguinaria, the genus most gardeners know as bloodroot. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Sanguinaria varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedBloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
#2 most savedMultiplex Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis 'Multiplex'
#3 most savedBloodroot Missouri River Giant
Sanguinaria canadensis 'Missouri River Giant'
How to grow Sanguinaria
What the Sanguinaria varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Sanguinaria year
- MulchOctober and November100% of varieties
Apply a layer of leaf mulch in fall to mimic its natural woodland habitat.
- PlantAugust–October100% of varieties
Plant rhizomes in fall in a shady, humus-rich location.
- DivideJuly100% of varieties
Divide rhizomes after flowering, just as the foliage begins to yellow.
Do
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Prune dead or damaged leaves in late fall
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Apply a balanced, organic fertilizer in early spring
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full, harsh sun in hot climates
- Refrain from using heavy, clay soil that drains poorly
What goes wrong with Sanguinaria
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting, blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
Making more Sanguinaria
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in fall or early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination, which may take 4-6 weeks
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring or fall
- Separate offsets carefully and replant immediately
- Water thoroughly after division
Sanguinaria questions
How many types of Sanguinaria are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Sanguinaria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 105 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Sanguinaria grow in?
Across its varieties, Sanguinaria covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Sanguinaria bloom?
Most Sanguinaria varieties bloom in early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Sanguinaria should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Sanguinaria shows up in
Design with Sanguinaria in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
