Geranium sanguineum Max Frei
Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate once established
Humidity
Prefers well-drained conditions
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe and Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' is a low-growing perennial with attractive, deeply lobed green foliage and vibrant, cup-shaped crimson flowers that bloom profusely in late spring and summer. This cultivar is distinguished by its compact growth habit and intense flower coloration, making it an excellent ground cover for sunny borders and rock gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Mulch around base for moisture retention
- Divide clumps every 3 years in early spring
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun for abundant blooms and easy maintenance
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune heavily in late fall
- Avoid planting in overly wet areas
- Don’t ignore pest signs
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| 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
Geranium sanguineum Max Frei questions
What zones can Geranium sanguineum Max Frei grow in?
Geranium sanguineum Max Frei 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 Geranium sanguineum Max Frei deer resistant?
Yes — Geranium sanguineum Max Frei is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Geranium sanguineum Max Frei bloom?
Geranium sanguineum Max Frei typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Geranium sanguineum Max Frei need full sun?
Geranium sanguineum Max Frei does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Geranium sanguineum Max Frei drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Geranium sanguineum Max Frei handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Geranium to compare
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Geranium macrorrhizum
Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
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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
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Geranium sanguineum Max Frei 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.
