Geranium sanguineum
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Geranium sanguineum

Geranium Sanguineum

Photo · (c) josefwirth, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by josefwirth COURTESY INATURALIST
A NOTE OF INTEREST

Geranium sanguineum, commonly known as bloody cranesbill, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family. Native to Europe and Asia, it has been widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The plant typically grows to a height of 30-50 cm, with a spread of 30-60 cm. Its deeply lobed, green leaves have a slightly hairy texture. The flowers of Geranium sanguineum are bright pink or magenta, featuring five petals that bloom from late spring through summer. These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making the plant an excellent addition to any garden or landscape. Geranium sanguineum prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate some moisture. It thrives in full sun but can also endure partial shade, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. This plant is easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage continued flowering throughout the growing season, while cutting back the foliage after flowering will promote new growth for the next year's blooms. In addition to its ornamental value, Geranium sanguineum has been used medicinally for its anti-inflammatory properties and as a treatment for diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues. Overall, Geranium sanguineum is an attractive perennial that adds color and interest to any garden. It also offers medicinal benefits, making it a valuable addition both aesthetically and functionally.

THE NAME

The Bloody Cranesbill gets its name from its striking appearance. The specific epithet "sanguineum" is derived from the Latin word "sanguineus," which means blood. This refers to the bright red color that the plant's stalks and seed capsules take on. The genus name comes from the Greek word for "crane," alluding to the shape of the fruit capsule. This resemblance is why it is commonly known as the Bloody Cranesbill.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial, Annual
Genus
Geranium
Family
Geraniaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
30 cm to 49 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Red
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Size
2.54 cm to 4.06 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Native Area
Turkey, Sweden, Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, Slovenia, Belarus, Russia, Germany, Estonia, Romania, Latvia, Moldova, Portugal, France, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia, Poland, Greece, Serbia, Lithuania, Norway, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Albania, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hungary
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Bloody Crane's-bill en Blood-red crane's-bill en Bloody geranium en Bloody cranesbill en Blood-red geranium en Violet Crane's Geranium en Krvavordeča krvomočnica en Raudonžiedis snaputis ru Девојачко око (SRB) ru Гера́нь крова́во-кра́сная
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

You might also like.