Bloody Cranesbill Geranium sanguineum Alan Bloom = 'Bloger'
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ABOUT
Geranium sanguineum Alan Bloom, commonly known as Bloody Cranesbill, is a herbaceous perennial plant known for its attractive appearance. This plant bears deeply lobed, dark green leaves that take on a reddish hue in fall, providing a colorful display. The foliage creates a dense, weed-suppressing mat, which makes it an ideal ground cover. The standout feature of Bloody Cranesbill 'Bloger' is its flowers. The plant produces an abundance of vibrant, magenta-pink blooms that are eye-catching and vivid. Each flower has rounded petals that are slightly cupped, contributing to the plant's ornamental value. The blooms form a striking contrast against the green foliage and usually appear in late spring to early summer, with sporadic reblooming throughout the growing season. The overall shape of the plant is mounded, giving it a bushy and full appearance. The flowers are held above the foliage on slender stems, creating a layering effect that adds depth and texture to garden beds and borders. Its attractive blooms and foliage make it a popular choice among gardeners for creating visual interest in the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Bloody Cranesbill, Bloody Geranium.
Common names
Geranium sanguineum.
ToxicityTo humans
The Bloody Cranesbill, which is another name for Geranium sanguineum, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning are associated with it. However, as with any non-food plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities could potentially occur if it is ingested.
To pets
The Bloody Cranesbill is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not listed as a plant that is commonly known to cause any adverse effects if pets were to ingest it. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning from this plant are expected in pets. Although it is not considered poisonous, it is always prudent to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as individual animals might have sensitivities, and ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet (30 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Geranium sanguineum 'Alan Bloom' invites beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to the garden, aiding in plant pollination.
- Easy to Grow: This particular cultivar is known for being hardy and easy to cultivate, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it suitable for dry climates.
- Long Flowering Period: The 'Alan Bloom' offers a long season of blooms, from late spring into the fall, providing extended color in the landscape.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care, apart from occasional deadheading to promote further blooming and prevent self-seeding if not desired.
- Ground Cover: Can be used effectively as ground cover, thanks to its spreading habit, which helps to suppress weeds and cover bare spots.
- Ornamental Foliage: The foliage is deeply lobed and provides visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Seasonal Interest: With its vivid magenta-pink flowers, Geranium sanguineum 'Alan Bloom' adds a splash of color that can complement other plants in a mixed border.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Geranium sanguineum's flowers and leaves can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, particularly providing shades of green and brown.
- Insect repellent: Some gardeners use Geranium sanguineum to repel certain insects due to its aromatic foliage, though this is anecdotal and not scientifically proven.
- Culinary decoration: The flowers of Geranium sanguineum, which are edible, can be used as a colorful garnish for salads and desserts.
- Photography subject: Due to its vibrant colors and appealing structure, this plant is often used as a subject for botanical photography.
- Artistic inspiration: The striking appearance of Geranium sanguineum can serve as an inspiration for artists and designers, influencing patterns and motifs in various forms of artwork.
- Garden design: The plant is used to create attractive borders or as ground cover in garden designs due to its dense, low growth habit.
- Erosion control: Geranium sanguineum can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes due to its root system and spreading habit.
- Education: This plant is used in educational settings for teaching botany and plant identification.
- Companion planting: Some gardeners plant Geranium sanguineum near other plants to take advantage of its growth habit which can help smother weeds.
- Biological research: As a species with marked seasonal changes, Geranium sanguineum can be used in studies of plant phenology and the effects of climate change on plant life cycles.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Friendship: Geraniums are often associated with positive emotions and are given to friends to express a wish for lasting friendship.
- Good Health: The vibrant flowers and hardy nature symbolize a wish for good health and vigor.
- Happiness and Positive Vibes: Geraniums are known for their cheerful flowers, which are believed to bring happiness and uplift spirits.
- Harmony: The balanced growth and pleasant appearance of geraniums convey a sense of harmony and peace.
WaterGeranium sanguineum, commonly known as Bloody Cranesbill, benefits from being watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In the hotter summer months, it may require more frequent watering, such as twice a week, especially if planted in a sunny area or when less than 1 inch of rain falls in a week. Use about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session, adjusting as necessary for very young or small plants which may need less. In the cooler, dormant months, reduce watering frequency to match the plant’s reduced growth and evaporative needs.
LightBloody Cranesbill thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, but appreciates some afternoon shade in regions with very hot summers. The best spot for this plant is a location that offers bright morning sunlight and some protection from the intense heat of the late day sun.
TemperatureBloody Cranesbill can survive in a wide range of temperatures, but the ideal climate for this plant is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees during its dormant period and can withstand summer highs somewhat above 80 degrees. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range may stress the plant.
PruningPruning your Bloody Cranesbill encourages a tidy growth habit and can promote a second bloom in some cases. Prune back the spent flowers and any leggy stems immediately after the first flush of blooms in late spring or early summer. A second, lighter pruning may be beneficial in late summer if the plant becomes untidy again. There's no need for regular pruning; just tidy up as needed to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bloody Cranesbill, or Geranium sanguineum 'Alan Bloom', prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. The best soil mix for this plant would be a combination of garden soil, peat, and coarse sand or perlite to ensure good drainage and aeration. Amend with compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and promote healthy growth.
RepottingBloody Cranesbill does not typically require frequent repotting as it is mostly grown as an outdoor perennial. However, if grown in containers, repot every 2 to 3 years in the spring to refresh the soil and allow room for growth.
Humidity & MistingBloody Cranesbill thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. It is not particularly sensitive to humidity and adapts well to the natural humidity of its environment, making it a versatile plant for a variety of outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, water when topsoil feels dry.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium sanguineum Alan Bloom, commonly known as Bloody Cranesbill 'Alan Bloom,' begins its life cycle as seeds that germinate in the spring, best sown in a cold frame as soon as they are ripe. Once seedlings emerge and are large enough to handle, they are transplanted into individual pots and later into the garden after frost danger has passed. The plant establishes a robust root system and basal foliage, producing deeply lobed, dark green leaves. During late spring to early summer, it produces striking magenta-pink to purple flowers that attract pollinators and may bloom intermittently throughout the summer into autumn if spent flowers are removed. In the autumn, foliage can provide attractive reds and orange hues before it dies back with the onset of winter. The plant overwinters as a perennial rootstock, re-emerging the following spring to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Geranium sanguineum 'Alan Bloom', also known as Bloody Cranesbill 'Alan Bloom', can be propagated by division, which is one of the most popular methods. This technique involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with roots and shoots, during the cooler periods of late fall or early spring. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, gently shake off the excess soil, and tease apart the roots into smaller clumps, each with several shoots and a healthy root ball. These divisions can then be replanted immediately into well-prepared soil, ensuring that they are spaced about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish the root system in their new location.
