Bloody cranesbill Geranium sanguineum 'Aviemore'
ABOUT
The Geranium sanguineum 'Aviemore', commonly known as Bloody Cranesbill or Bloodred Geranium, is a striking perennial noted for its vibrant floral and foliage display. This plant boasts a lush mound of deeply lobed, almost circular leaves that offer a rich, dark green coloration. As the seasons change, the foliage may exhibit impressive autumnal hues, adding an extra dimension of color to the garden landscape. One of the most distinctive features of the Bloody Cranesbill is its striking flowers. The blooms express a vivid magenta to deep pink shade, ornamented with delicate veining that creates a detailed and intricate pattern across the petals. The flowers typically consist of five rounded petals, creating a classic geranium flower shape that is both simple and charming. These blossoms offer a feast for the eyes when they cover the plant in a profusion of color throughout the blooming season. Overall, the appearance of the Geranium sanguineum 'Aviemore' is one of enduring beauty and seasonal interest, contributing bright and cheerful color to any suitable garden setting. This variety, with its charming flowers and attractive leaves, is appreciated by gardeners and nature enthusiasts for the delightful visual impact it provides.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Bloody Cranesbill, Bloody Geranium.
Common names
Geranium sanguineum 'Aviemore'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geranium sanguineum, commonly known as Bloody Cranesbill, is not considered toxic to humans. There is no widely recognized documentation of toxicity or symptoms of poisoning in humans due to ingestion of parts of this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities may occur so it is generally advisable not to consume plant parts without certainty of their safety.
To pets
Bloody Cranesbill is not known to be toxic to pets either. It does not appear on lists of toxic plants for dogs or cats, and there are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant. However, ingestion of non-food items, including any plants, can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset in pets such as vomiting or diarrhea, so it is still best to prevent pets from ingesting this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet 4 inches (40 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color with its pink to purple flowers, enhancing the visual interest of garden spaces.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Ground Cover: Efficiently covers the ground, helping to suppress weeds and reduce garden maintenance.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms from late spring to early fall, providing a long season of interest in the garden.
- Hardiness: Adapts well to a range of temperatures and can survive in cooler climates.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Geranium sanguineum contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation.
- Astringent: The astringent properties of Geranium sanguineum can be useful in treating minor skin irritations and wounds.
- Diuretic: Traditionally, it has been used to promote the production of urine, which can help in the elimination of waste from the body.
- Antidiarrheal: It may be used to alleviate diarrhea due to its potential astringent effect on the intestines.
- Antihemorrhagic: Geranium sanguineum has been used historically to stop bleeding both internally and externally due to its purported styptic qualities.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium sanguineum 'Aviemore', commonly known as bloody cranesbill, can be used as a natural dye, producing a range of colours from grey to pink depending on the mordant used.
- In arts and crafts, the petals of the bloody cranesbill can be pressed and included in decorative paper making for a touch of natural beauty.
- Gardeners sometimes plant bloody cranesbill in between paving stones, where it can tolerate foot traffic and soften the look of hardscapes.
- Large clumps of the plant can be an effective ground cover, reducing soil erosion on slopes due to its dense root system.
- Its nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens.
- The plant can be used in potpourri mixes, as its dried leaves and flowers retain a subtle fragrance that can freshen up a room.
- Bloody cranesbill can act as a natural pest deterrent, its foliage is believed to be unappetizing to deer and rabbits.
- Photographers often use beautiful blooms like those of the bloody cranesbill as subjects for macro photography, highlighting the intricacies of the natural world.
- The plant’s dense growth can be strategically used to suppress weeds in garden beds, reducing the need for manual weeding.
- In culinary arts, although not commonly used, the petals can be added to salads or deserts for an edible garnish, provided they haven’t been treated with pesticides.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cranesbill is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cranesbill is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Folly or Stupidity: Historically, geraniums can represent folly or stupidity. This symbolism possibly arises from the plant's unpretentious and common appearance, making it a symbol for something that is not to be taken too seriously.
- Unexpected Meeting: Geranium can symbolize an unexpected encounter. This could be traced back to the plant’s propensity to spread and pop up in unexpected places, suggesting the serendipity of meeting someone new in a surprising context.
- True Friendship: Certain geraniums are also thought to represent true friendship. This meaning could spring from the plant’s hardiness and longevity, which are qualities valued in lasting friendships.
WaterTo ensure the health of the Bloody Cranesbill, water the plant deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water each time. Adjust the frequency based on rainfall and check the soil moisture; allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Be careful not to overwater as this plant prefers drier conditions. During hot, dry periods, an additional watering may be necessary. Always water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and prevent disease.
LightBloody Cranesbill thrives in full sun to partial shade. For best results, plant it in a location where it will receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates to prevent scorching.
TemperatureThe Bloody Cranesbill can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but performs best when the temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. Extreme heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant, so provide some shade in hotter regions.
PruningPrune Bloody Cranesbill to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Cut back the entire plant by about a third after the first flowering to maintain a compact shape and promote new growth. Pruning is best done in mid to late summer. Deadhead individual flowers throughout the blooming season to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCranesbill thrives in a soil mix with good drainage; a blend of loam, peat, and sharp sand is ideal. The preferred pH for the soil ranges from 5.8 to 6.3. Amend the soil with compost to enrich fertility before planting.
RepottingCranesbill, or Geranium sanguineum 'Aviemore', typically doesn't need frequent repotting; once every 3 to 4 years is sufficient, or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingCranesbill prefers moderate humidity but is adaptable and can tolerate a range of conditions, provided the soil isn't waterlogged.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Cranesbill in bright light with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, in well-draining soil; space 15-20cm apart.
Hardiness zone
Cranesbill is suitable for USDA zones 4-8.
Life cycleGeranium sanguineum 'Aviemore', commonly known as Bloody Cranesbill, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in spring when the temperature and soil conditions are suitable. Following germination, it enters a phase of vegetative growth, where the plant develops its root system and foliage. As it reaches maturity, Bloody Cranesbill produces its distinctive pink to purple flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators and enabling sexual reproduction. After pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed in the summer or early fall, completing the reproductive stage. Throughout the growing season, this hardy perennial may undergo periods of dormancy, particularly in winter, when it dies back to its root stock. With the return of favorable conditions in the next growing season, the plant resumes growth from the existing rootstock, continuing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Geranium sanguineum 'Aviemore', commonly known as Bloody Cranesbill, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The optimal time for division is in the spring or early fall, when the plant is not in full bloom and has more energy to establish new roots. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring a generous amount of soil is kept around the roots. Gently tease the plant apart into smaller sections, making sure each new section has a healthy piece of root and a few shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously and water them thoroughly. It's crucial to maintain consistent moisture while the new divisions establish themselves, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
