Bloody Cranesbill Geranium sanguineum 'Cedric Morris'
ABOUT
Geranium sanguineum 'Cedric Morris', also known as bloody cranesbill, is a perennial plant renowned for its striking appearance. The foliage of Cedric Morris presents deeply lobed, slightly hairy leaves that are a vibrant green, turning to shades of red in the fall, providing a touch of seasonal color. It blooms profusely in late spring to early summer, with flowers that are an arresting shade of magenta or pink. Each flower has five rounded petals, creating a classic, yet eye-catching geranium shape that adds a splash of color to gardens. The blossoms are held aloft on thin stems above the mound of foliage, creating a light and airy feel. This variety of bloody cranesbill is cherished for its durability and the ornamental appeal of both its flowers and foliage, which make it a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Bloody Cranesbill, Bloody Geranium.
Common names
Geranium sanguineum 'Cedric Morris'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Geranium sanguineum 'Cedric Morris' is Bloody Cranesbill. Generally, Bloody Cranesbill is not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting the plant is unlikely to cause harm or serious illness. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivity can vary and it's usually recommended to avoid eating any plant parts if they're not typically recognized as edible.
To pets
Bloody Cranesbill is not known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning as it is generally considered non-toxic. Nonetheless, it is still advisable to prevent pets from ingesting plants, as individual reactions can vary, and some animals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction if they consume parts of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Blooms with attractive magenta-pink to lilac flowers, enhancing garden visual interest.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it exhibits good drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond initial planting, suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Ground Cover: Spreads effectively, providing ground coverage which can help reduce weed growth.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a long flowering season, from late spring to early autumn, for extended garden enjoyment.
- Soil Adaptability: Adapts to a wide range of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil.
- Deer Resistance: Generally not favored by deer, which can help prevent damage to the plant and surrounding flora.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Supply: The petals of Geranium sanguineum 'Cedric Morris', also known as Bloody Cranesbill, can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, inks, and watercolor paints, offering a range of pink hues.
- Edible Garnish: The flowers of the Bloody Cranesbill are edible and can be used to add color and a slight apple flavor to salads and desserts.
- Photography Subject: Bloody Cranesbill's vibrant color and intricate patterns make it an excellent subject for botanical photography, helping amateurs and professionals alike to create stunning images.
- Erosion Control: This groundcover plant can be used to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks in gardens or landscaped areas.
- Wildlife Garden Component: As a nectar-rich plant, the Bloody Cranesbill can be included in wildlife-friendly garden designs to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried Bloody Cranesbill flowers can be used in floral arrangements to provide a delicate and natural look.
- Essential Oil Source: While not commonly known for this, the aromatic leaves of the Bloody Cranesbill can be used in the distillation of essential oils for use in perfumes and aromatherapy.
- Natural Pest Repellent: The foliage of Geranium sanguineum 'Cedric Morris' contains certain compounds that can deter pests in the garden, making it useful as a companion plant.
- Teaching Aid: This plant can be used in educational settings as a living example to teach about pollination, plant growth, and horticulture practices.
- Mood Enhancer: Simply having the Bloody Cranesbill in a garden or indoor environment can offer aesthetic pleasure and contribute to an overall calming and enjoyable atmosphere.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bloody Cranesbill is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bloody Cranesbill is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unity and Cooperation: In some floral languages and traditions, geraniums symbolize unity and cooperation due to their tendency to grow in close groups and their lush, full appearance.
- Friendship: The Geranium sanguineum 'Cedric Morris', like other geraniums, can be a symbol of friendship, often given as a gift to celebrate and cherish a strong bond between friends.
- Health and Longevity: Certain cultures may associate geraniums with good health and longevity due to their medicinal properties and hardy nature.
- Happiness and Positive Emotions: With its bright flowers, the 'Cedric Morris' variety, like many geraniums, is seen as a symbol of happiness, joy, and the presence of positive emotions in one's life.
- Fertility: Sometimes, geraniums can be associated with fertility and reproduction, possibly due to their robust growing habits and prolific blooms.
- Protection: The strong scent of some geranium leaves is believed to repel evil spirits or negative energies, making them a symbol of spiritual protection in certain traditions.
WaterBloody Cranesbill should be watered regularly, aiming for a deep watering that moistens the soil thoroughly. During the growing season, water the plant once a week with about 1 gallon of water per square foot of soil. If the weather is particularly hot or dry, increase the frequency to twice a week. Over the winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks or when the soil is dry to the touch as the plant goes dormant. It's crucial to ensure that the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
LightBloody Cranesbill thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be planted in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be one that gets morning sun and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. The plant can tolerate a variety of lighting conditions but blooms most profusely with adequate light.
TemperatureBloody Cranesbill is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it performs best in temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from severe frost. During hot weather, make sure the plant is well-watered and has some afternoon shade to prevent overheating.
PruningBloody Cranesbill should be pruned to remove spent flower stems and encourage a second bloom. Pruning can be done after the first flowering in late spring or early summer. Cut back the entire plant by about half its height to tidy its appearance and stimulate new growth. It's also a good practice to remove dead or diseased foliage as needed, and the best time for major pruning is early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBloody Cranesbill 'Cedric Morris' thrives in well-draining garden soil enriched with compost. For best growth, a blend of two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal. This plant prefers a soil pH of 5.8 to 6.3.
RepottingBloody Cranesbill 'Cedric Morris' does not require frequent repotting; once every 3-4 years is sufficient to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. Spring is the ideal time for repotting.
Humidity & MistingBloody Cranesbill 'Cedric Morris' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average outdoor conditions without specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bloody Cranesbill in bright indirect light, ensure pot has drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, water regularly, protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium sanguineum 'Cedric Morris', commonly known as Bloody Cranesbill, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically sown in fall or spring, germinating in warm, moist soil conditions. The seedling emerges with primary leaves, and as it matures, true leaves with the plant’s characteristic shape develop. Over time, the seedling grows into a vegetative plant, establishing a strong root system and dense foliage. During late spring to early summer, the plant starts flowering, producing its characteristic magenta flowers which attract pollinators and eventually give way to seed pods for reproduction. After seed dispersal, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, before re-emerging in spring. The plant is a perennial, so it repeats the flowering and seed production cycle for several years throughout its lifespan.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Geranium sanguineum 'Cedric Morris', commonly known as Bloody Cranesbill, is often propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this particular plant. The best time to propagate by division is generally in the spring or early fall. To do so, one must carefully dig up an established clump of the plant, ensuring to maintain a good amount of roots. Using a sharp knife, spade, or even your hands, you can then divide the clump into several smaller sections, each with roots and shoots. These divisions can be immediately replanted in a suitable location, ideally spaced about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help them establish. This method of propagation is quick, efficient, and ensures that new plants will have characteristics identical to the parent plant.
