Bloody Cranesbill
Geranium sanguineum 'striatum'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers dry to moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe to Caucasus
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Geranium sanguineum is a low-growing, clump-forming to spreading perennial with deeply-lobed, dark green leaves that often turn attractive shades of red in autumn. It produces a profusion of cup-shaped, magenta flowers over a long season. This cultivar is noted for its charming, cup-shaped, pale lilac-pink flowers which are delicately penciled with darker crimson veins. It is a compact, low-spreading form of the species.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks.
- Place in full sun for optimal flowering.
- Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer during growing season.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Divide clumps every 2–3 years in early spring.
Pro Tip
Ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead regularly to promote blooms
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly
Don't
- Overwater to prevent fungal issues ❌
- Avoid heavy clay soil without amendments
- Don’t neglect deadheading
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
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 4–8. 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 to late summer through early 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.
More Geranium to compare
Bigroot Geranium
Geranium macrorrhizum
Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
Cranesbill 'Rozanne'
Geranium x magnificum 'Rozanne'
Showy Cranesbill
Geranium x magnificum 'Bevan's Variety'
Azure Rush Geranium
Geranium incanum 'Azure Rush'
Cranesbill 'Orion'
Geranium maculatum 'Orion'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Bloody Cranesbill with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
