Species

Geranium sanguineumBloody Cranesbill

2 other cultivars

perennial

Bloody Cranesbill

Geranium sanguineum 'Apfelblüte'

The Story

Plant Bio

Geranium sanguineum, commonly known as bloody cranesbill, is a deciduous herbaceous perennial native to Europe and temperate western Asia that forms a low, compact mat of interlacing stems. The deeply lobed, rounded dark green leaves turn brilliant shades of orange, henna, and crimson in the fall before dropping.

'Apfelblüte' is distinguished by its large, flat, saucer-shaped flowers of soft pale pink detailed with darker pink veins and margins. These single-petaled blossoms emerge individually from the leaf axils from late spring through summer, rather than in clusters.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, weed-suppressing mat of dark green foliage that turns brilliant orange and red in fall, topped with soft pink flowers.

Serves as an exceptionally hardy, deer- and rabbit-resistant groundcover that tolerates poor soils and dry spells once established.

Provides nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinating insects.

SpeciesGeranium sanguineumBloody Cranesbill

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe, temperate western Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with loose, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant so the crown sits level with the soil surface.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil, and maintain moderate moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a light top-dressing of compost in spring, avoiding high-nitrogen fertilizers that cause floppy, weak growth.

Pro Tip

Shear the foliage back lightly or cut it back hard after the primary summer bloom flush to stimulate fresh leaf growth and encourage sporadic rebloom in early fall. Avoid cutting deep into the old, leafless woody sections of the crown, which limits recovery.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure sharp drainage to prevent root rot, especially in heavier soils.
Clear away dead foliage and debris in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Divide established clumps in spring or fall to maintain vigor and propagate new plants.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged sites or heavy clay soils that retain stagnant winter moisture.
Avoid over-fertilizing with heavy chemical nitrogen, which results in loose, floppy stems.
Do not prune severely into the old, leafless woody sections of the crown.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverRock gardensBorder edgingCottage gardensMass plantings

Companion Plants

Salvia nemorosa Nepeta faassenii Alchemilla mollis Stachys byzantina

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bloody Cranesbill questions

What zones can Bloody Cranesbill grow in?

Bloody Cranesbill is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bloody Cranesbill deer resistant?

Yes — Bloody Cranesbill is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Bloody Cranesbill bloom?

Bloody Cranesbill typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bloody Cranesbill need full sun?

Bloody Cranesbill does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bloody Cranesbill drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bloody Cranesbill handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.