Bloody cranesbill - Geranium sanguineum (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Bloody cranesbill

Also known as: Blood-red geranium

Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) is a flowering perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. The bloody cranesbill often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens which is prized for its starry flower in spring and blood-red leaves in fall. Its Latin name 'sanguineum' is to describe their red leaves.

Scientific classification

Species

Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum)

Geraniums, bridal wreaths, and allies

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Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

30 cm to 50 cm

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green, Purple, Pink

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Bloody cranesbill

Distribution of Bloody cranesbill

Distribution Map

Bloody cranesbill is native to Europe. It can be found as an introduced species growing in open woodlands, grasslands, and sand dunes on calcium-rich soils. It has also been introduced into the United States.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Grassland, sand dunes, open woodland, rocky slopes

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) is a popular geranium prized for its attractively shaped leaves and vivid magenta flowers, which attract butterflies. This is a very easy-to-grow plant that has a spreading habit that makes it a great choice for edging and ground cover. It also makes a good addition to beds and borders in informal, traditional, and cottage gardens. For bright color contrasts, plant purple cranesbill, pearly everlasting, wood sage, and sea thrift nearby.

Symbolism

Gentility, determination, confidence

Interesting Facts

Often claimed to have magical powers, geraniums are symbols of protection, well-wishes and love. The bloody cranesbill, a member of the geranium family, has been a subject of scientific research recently, proving it does indeed possess a super-power with its antiviral properties that have been found to offer protection from certain ailments.

Name Story

Bloody cranesbill: The specific epithet, sanguineum comes from the latin sanguineus, meaning blood. It is a reference to the color of their stalks and seed capsules, which turn bright red. The genus name is derived from the Greek, meaning crane, in reference to the appearance of the fruit capsule, so it is commonly called bloody cranesbill.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Bloody cranesbill, including the following common varieties :

Bloody cranesbill 'Shepherd's Warning'Bloody cranesbill 'Album'Bloody cranesbill 'Elke'Bloody cranesbill 'Max Frei'

Quickly Identify Bloody cranesbill

Dense clusters reaching 1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm) in height

Vivid fuchsia flowers blooming profusely from late spring to summer

Magenta flowers with cup-shaped petals and darker veins

Distinctive leaf shape with deep lobes, 5-7 segments divided into 3 parts

Basal leaves with vibrant green color, 5-lobed, covered in fine hairs

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Care Guide for Bloody cranesbill

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Native to temperate regions, bloody cranesbill prefers moderate moisture and tolerates low water availability, needing watering every 1-2 weeks. Its outdoor growth habit utilizes evapotranspiration, aiding water conservation while keeping landscapes lush during hot seasons.

Fertilize: To enhance bloody cranesbill's growth and flowering, use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring and a high phosphorus formula before blooming. Fertilize monthly at 1/4 strength during active growth; reduce in winter. Water soil prior to application to prevent root burn.

Pruning: Bloody cranesbill features vibrant blooms and requires low maintenance. Prune in early to late spring using sharp tools to remove damaged stems, promoting new growth and shape. This process enhances flowering, air circulation, and plant health.

Propagation: Propagate bloody cranesbill by sowing in Spring, the optimal season. Look for new shoots as indicators of success, and maintain proper soil moisture for best growth results.

Repotting: Repot bloody cranesbill, a low-growing perennial, every 2-3 years in spring using a wider container. Water evenly and provide bright, indirect light post-repotting to support growth. Bloody cranesbill is resilient and serves as a delightful, low-maintenance garden addition.

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Images of Bloody cranesbill

Distribution of Bloody cranesbill

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Bloody cranesbill

Care Guide for Bloody cranesbill

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