Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) is a popular perennial known for its minimal care and attractive features. It produces vibrant magenta-pink, cup-shaped flowers from late spring into late summer, offering extended garden color. Its deeply lobed foliage often turns a striking blood-red in the fall. This hardy plant functions effectively as a groundcover, adapting well to various garden settings.
Planting Bloody Cranesbill
The best times to plant Bloody Cranesbill are spring or autumn, adjusting for local climate to avoid extreme temperatures. This perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooms. While it tolerates partial shade, less light can lead to fewer flowers and reduced vigor.
Well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot. Bloody Cranesbill adapts to various soil types, including average garden soil, sand, or loam, and tolerates a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to accommodate their mature spread of up to 24 inches. After planting, water thoroughly to help the soil settle around the roots and support the plant’s transition.
Ongoing Care Requirements
Once established, Bloody Cranesbill is drought tolerant, enduring dry periods for several months. During extended dry spells or hot weather, weekly watering helps maintain healthy growth and consistent blooming. Watering early in the morning reduces evaporation and allows foliage to dry before nightfall, minimizing disease risk.
Bloody Cranesbill has minimal fertilizing needs and can thrive without additional feeding if the soil is reasonably fertile. For enhanced growth and bloom, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in late winter to early spring is sufficient. Over-fertilization can lead to sprawling, leggy growth instead of more flowers. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning Bloody Cranesbill maintains its appearance and encourages continued flowering throughout the growing season. Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production and redirects it toward new blooms. While deadheading improves appearance, it is not necessary for larger plantings.
To refresh the plant and promote new growth, especially if it becomes leggy or untidy, cut back the foliage. A substantial cut, often called a “Chelsea chop,” involves shearing the plant back by 50% to 75% in mid-summer. This encourages a fresh flush of leaves and a potential rebloom. Division, performed in spring or fall, can rejuvenate older, less vigorous plants or provide new ones by separating the root ball.
Addressing Common Issues
Bloody Cranesbill is a resilient plant with few serious pest or disease concerns. However, common garden pests like slugs might occasionally affect young plants. Vine weevils, capsid bugs, or sawflies may also be observed.
In humid or wet conditions, Bloody Cranesbill can be susceptible to fungal issues like powdery mildew, leaf spots, and rust. Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery spots on leaves and stems; manage it by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. If detected, remove affected parts; in severe cases, fungicides containing sulfur or neem oil may be used. Root rot can occur in poorly drained or waterlogged soil, highlighting the importance of proper site selection and watering.