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Geranium Sanguineum

Geranium sanguineum
Family - Geranium

The hardy, or true, geraniums, contrast to the popular annual flower known as geranium, or Pelargonium. The hardy geranium is perennial and tough. The hardy geraniums are collectively called Cranesbills because the seed pod is triangular and resembles the beak of a bird.

Geranium sanguineum is also known as Blood Red Cranesbill because of the magenta color of the flower in the most commonly grown variety. The flower is about one inch in diameter and is born profusely over a fairly long period of time in mid spring. The foliage is a rich green, seldom bothered by insects, so it is an attractive plant even when not in bloom.

This perennial geranium is hardy to USDA Zone 4 and is adaptable to a fairly wide variety of growing conditions. It can be planted in full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate full shade but will grow somewhat taller than its usual eighteen inches in height and will not bloom quite as much. In full sun it will grow somewhat lower, around twelve inches and will bloom more. In the fall the foliage will take on a burgundy color, so it will provide a bit of color late in the season. After bloom, if the foliage is cut back the plant will grow back nicely and provide light bloom the rest of the season.

There are several varieties of Geranium sanguineum, including a white called "Alba" and "Striatum" a lightly veined pink type. All of these perennial geranium varieties are worth growing. Striatum is a bit smaller than the common one, but is just as hardy.

Propagation of Geranium sanguineum is by division in the spring or fall. I have already moved plants in the spring after growth has started, but autumn is really the best time. Dig the roots, cut into sections with a shovel or spade and replant. The more, the merrier. The Bloody Cranesbill is one of my favorite perennial plants, I use them a lot to fill in spaces and to grow over retaining walls.

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