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 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.
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