Bloody cranesbill Geranium sanguineum
ABOUT
Geranium sanguineum, commonly known as bloody cranesbill, is a hardy flowering perennial notable for its profuse blooming and attractive foliage. This plant produces charming, five-petaled flowers that are typically a vivid shade of magenta or pink, with distinctive veining that may be darker or slightly more intense in color than the petal itself. The center of each flower is adorned with a cluster of prominent stamens that add an additional touch of decorative contrast. The leaves of the bloody cranesbill are deeply lobed and have a somewhat lacy appearance. They are rounded in overall shape, with edges that resemble the jagged outline of a saw blade. The foliage offers seasonal interest as well, as it transforms in hue from a rich green to striking shades of red and orange as the cooler weather of autumn sets in. The overall appearance of the bloody cranesbill is that of a mounding plant with a casual, yet dense, growth habit. It rounds out and fills the space it occupies, presenting a lush and textured addition to any garden setting where it brings both color and a naturalistic feel.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Bloody Cranesbill, Bloody Geranium, Blood Red Cranesbill.
Common names
Geranium sanguineum
ToxicityTo humans
Geranium sanguineum, commonly known as bloody cranesbill, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or adverse effects from ingesting parts of this plant. It is commonly used in gardening and landscaping for its attractive flowers and hardiness without concern for human toxicity.
To pets
Bloody cranesbill is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. There are no known toxic effects associated with pets ingesting this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption in large quantities could potentially cause mild stomach upset due to the ingestion of non-dietary material. It is always best to monitor pets to ensure they are not consuming significant amounts of any plants, even those that are non-toxic.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot 4-9 inches (40-50 cm)
Spread
1 foot 4-9 inches (40-50 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Geranium sanguineum is known to attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners with busy schedules or those looking for easy-to-care-for landscaping options.
- Groundcover: Its spreading habit can help reduce soil erosion and suppress weeds in garden beds.
- Decorative Appeal: The bright pink to magenta flowers add a splash of color to gardens from late spring to early fall.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter and food for a variety of insects, which in turn can attract birds and other wildlife.
- Seasonal Interest: Geranium sanguineum remains attractive throughout the growing season with its foliage turning red and orange hues in the fall.
- Edging Plant: Its compact size makes it suitable for borders and edges in garden design.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some other garden plants, it does not typically overtake garden spaces or natural habitats.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Geranium sanguineum has been used traditionally for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Astringent: The astringent quality of the plant can help with tightening tissues and stopping bleeding.
- Diuretic: It may promote the production of urine, aiding in the removal of waste from the body.
- Tonic: It is thought to have a general strengthening and invigorating effect on the body.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium sanguineum, commonly known as Bloody Cranesbill, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics and materials, giving them a subtle reddish or pinkish hue derived from the petals of the flowers.
- The leaves of Bloody Cranesbill, when crushed, can be used as a natural insect repellent due to their aromatic properties, helping to keep pests away from gardens and outdoor living spaces.
- As an ornamental plant, Bloody Cranesbill's robust and spreading nature makes it useful for erosion control on slopes and in areas where soil retention is needed.
- The plant's ability to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, makes it beneficial for increasing the pollination success of gardens and promoting biodiversity.
- Bloody Cranesbill can be planted in living roof projects due to its drought tolerance, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in shallow soil, providing green cover and contributing to urban ecology.
- The foliage of Bloody Cranesbill, which changes color in autumn to provide aesthetic red hues, is used in landscape design to create picturesque seasonal displays in gardens and parks.
- Dried and pressed leaves and flowers of the Bloody Cranesbill can be used in botanical art and crafts for creating natural decorations or as part of herbarium collections for educational purposes.
- The plant's dense growth habit makes it useful as a ground cover to suppress weeds in garden beds, minimizing the need for herbicides and maintenance.
- In culinary use, the flowers of the Bloody Cranesbill can be crystallized or used as a decorative edible garnish on desserts and salads, adding a splash of color.
- Gardeners often use the plant in companion planting schemes because it can deter certain pests, thereby protecting more vulnerable plants in the vicinity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cranesbill, commonly referred to instead of Geranium sanguineum, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cranesbill is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Foresight: Geranium sanguineum, commonly known as bloody cranesbill, is often associated with the ability to foresee events. This could be linked to the plant's hardy nature and its ability to thrive in various conditions, suggesting preparedness and anticipation.
- Unexpected Meeting: In the language of flowers, bloody cranesbill can symbolize a chance encounter or an unexpected meeting. This might be tied to its spontaneous growth in the wild.
- Friendship: The bloody cranesbill is also a symbol of friendship. Its enduring and resilient qualities reflect the strength and long-lasting nature of true friendships.
- Good Health: This plant's medicinal properties in traditional remedies lend it to symbolize good health and well-being.
- Stalwartness: Due to its robust nature, bloody cranesbill represents resilience and the ability to stand firm in the face of adversity.
WaterHardy geraniums, like the Bloody Cranesbill, should be watered regularly but be sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or manual watering. In hotter, dryer periods, increase the frequency to twice a week, ensuring you provide enough water without causing waterlogged soil. When watering, avoid overhead irrigation to minimize leaf wetness and reduce the risk of disease; instead, water at the base of the plant. During the winter months or in cooler climates, reduce watering since the plant's water needs will decrease significantly.
LightBloody Cranesbill thrives best in full sun to part shade. It prefers a spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also perform well in areas with dappled shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade, as this can result in fewer blooms and leggy growth.
TemperatureThe Bloody Cranesbill geranium typically grows well in a range of climates and is winter hardy in USDA zones 4-8. This plant can tolerate minimum temperature extremes down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit but grows best in an ideal temperature range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it can survive summer highs up to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, extended periods of heat may stress the plant.
PruningPruning Bloody Cranesbill helps maintain its shape, encourages new growth, and can rejuvenate the plant for a potential second bloom in the season. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote further blooming. After the first flush of blooms, cut the plant back by half to encourage a tidy form and a new wave of growth and blooms. Pruning is best done in midsummer after the initial flowering period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBloody Cranesbill, commonly known as Geranium sanguineum, thrives in a soil mix that is fertile, well-draining, and contains a mix of loam, peat, and sandy soil to mimic its natural habitat. The ideal pH for this plant should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.2.
RepottingBloody Cranesbill should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and prevent it from becoming root-bound. However, as a hardy perennial, this plant often fares well without frequent repotting if planted in the ground.
Humidity & MistingThe best humidity conditions for Bloody Cranesbill are average to dry. This plant is quite adaptable and does not require high humidity, making it suitable for typical outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and well-draining soil for Bloody Cranesbill indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, well-draining soil for Bloody Cranesbill.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium sanguineum, commonly known as Bloody Cranesbill, begins its life cycle as a seed, which typically germinates in spring when soil temperatures warm. Upon germination, it develops a rosette of basal leaves as it enters the vegetative stage. The plant then grows stems and produces a prolific number of deeply lobed leaves. During late spring to early summer, Bloody Cranesbill enters the flowering stage, where it produces bright pink to magenta flowers with five petals each. After pollination, typically by bees and other insects, the flowers develop into fruit capsules resembling a crane’s bill, which eventually release seeds to complete the cycle. The plant is a hardy perennial, so it dies back in winter to the ground level, but the root system survives and enables regrowth year after year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Geranium sanguineum, commonly known as bloody cranesbill, is most effectively propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time to carry out this process is during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy non-flowering shoot should be selected and cut just below a leaf node, typically about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting is then planted in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite, ensuring that the leaf node where the leaves were removed is buried in the planting medium. The pot should be placed in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight, and the soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Roots will typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be hardened off and eventually transplanted outdoors.
