Bloody cranesbill Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei'
ABOUT
The 'Max Frei' Cranesbill is a hardy perennial with a spreading habit. It features deeply lobed, dark green leaves that become reddish-brown in the fall, providing a display of seasonal color. In late spring to early summer, the plant is adorned with a profusion of bright magenta-pink flowers, each with rounded petals and a small white eye at the center. These vibrant blossoms cover the plant, creating a striking contrast against the foliage. With its dense, mat-forming growth, the 'Max Frei' Cranesbill is often used as a groundcover, filling the garden with its lush, attractive leaves and eye-catching flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Bloody Cranesbill, Bloody Geranium, Blood Red Cranesbill
Common names
Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bloody Cranesbill, the common name for Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. This means that it usually does not cause any harmful effects if touched or accidentally ingested in small quantities. There is typically no concern for poisoning or serious consequences from handling or consuming parts of this plant.
To pets
Bloody Cranesbill is also generally non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause any significant toxicity in animals such as cats and dogs. Therefore, if pets ingest parts of this Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei', they are unlikely to experience any symptoms of poisoning or serious health effects. However, as with any non-food plant, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and ingesting plant material could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its deep pink to magenta flowers and compact foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it an eco-friendly choice for water-conservation gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond the occasional pruning to remove spent blooms and maintain shape, ideal for busy gardeners.
- Pest Resistance: It is generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity and aiding pollination in the garden.
- Ground Cover: Its growth habit makes it effective for covering ground, suppressing weeds, and stabilizing soil.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides extended interest from late spring to early fall as it continuously blooms throughout the growing season.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden styles including rock gardens, border fronts, and as edging or in containers.
- Tolerates Poor Soil: Can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, even those that are less fertile or nutrient-poor.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Often avoided by deer and rabbits, which helps to prevent damage to the garden by these animals.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei', also known as Bloody Cranesbill, can be used as a natural fabric dye, providing a range of hues from greens to browns and grays depending on the mordant used.
- Bloody Cranesbill's dense foliage makes it an effective ground cover that can help suppress weeds in a garden or landscaped area.
- The flowers of the Bloody Cranesbill can be added to salads or desserts for a colorful garnish that is also edible, though they don't contribute much flavor.
- Bloody Cranesbill can be planted to stabilize soil in areas that are prone to erosion, as its root system helps bind the soil together.
- Garden enthusiasts use Bloody Cranesbill for companion planting with roses and other perennials to create aesthetically pleasing contrasts in texture and color.
- During fall, the leaves of Bloody Cranesbill turn reddish color, making it a natural choice for adding autumnal interest to a garden landscape.
- Landscape designers may use Bloody Cranesbill for its low maintenance and ability to fill in gaps within rock gardens and alpine garden settings.
- The tight clumping growth habit of Bloody Cranesbill makes it suitable for containers and hanging baskets, where it can add a burst of color without sprawl.
- Photographers and artists may utilize the vibrant flowers and attractive foliage of Bloody Cranesbill as subjects for their work, given their visual appeal.
- The plant's resistance to many common garden pests makes it a helpful addition for organic gardeners seeking to maintain a healthy balance of species.
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- Health: Geraniums are often associated with health and vitality because they have a robust nature and are commonly used in traditional medicine.
- Friendship: The plant's long-lasting blooms and ability to grow in many conditions symbolize enduring relationships.
- Happiness: With bright and cheerful flowers, geraniums represent positivity and good spirits.
- Fertility: Geraniums can be symbolic of fertility because they are prolific bloomers.
- Unity: The clustering of geranium flowers on a single stem symbolizes togetherness and unity.
WaterThe Bloody Cranesbill 'Max Frei' should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root development, roughly once a week during the active growing season. The amount of water required can be about one to two gallons per plant, depending on the weather and soil conditions. In the absence of rainfall, make sure the soil dries out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. Reduce watering frequency to every two weeks as the plant goes dormant in late fall and winter.
LightBloody Cranesbill 'Max Frei' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hotter climates to protect it from scorching. In regions with mild summers, it can tolerate full sun throughout the day.
TemperatureThe Bloody Cranesbill 'Max Frei' is hardy and can survive in a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best when daytime temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit without significant stress.
PruningPrune the Bloody Cranesbill 'Max Frei' to shape the plant, promote bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to encourage a second bloom. The best time for pruning is after the first wave of flowering, typically in late spring or early summer. Pruning can also be done in late winter or early spring to remove any dead foliage and prepare the plant for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bloody Cranesbill ‘Max Frei’ thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.3. A soil mix containing equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand encourages healthy growth. Regular organic matter addition helps maintain soil fertility for this plant.
RepottingBloody Cranesbill ‘Max Frei’ typically does not require frequent repotting; every 3-4 years is sufficient. Repotting is best done in the spring, allowing the plant to establish in the growing season.
Humidity & MistingBloody Cranesbill ‘Max Frei’ is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions to thrive. It is quite tolerant of dry air typical of most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright light and well-draining soil for indoor 'Max Frei'.
Outdoor
Plant 'Max Frei' in sun to part shade in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium sanguineum 'Max Frei', commonly known as Bloody Cranesbill, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in early spring when temperatures and moisture levels are favorable. Once the seed sprouts, the plant develops a small basal rosette of deeply lobed leaves and begins to establish a root system. As the season progresses, 'Max Frei' enters its vegetative growth phase, during which it matures and expands in size, forming a low, dense mound of foliage. Flowering typically occurs in late spring to early summer, showcasing numerous magenta-pink flowers that attract pollinators and facilitate cross-pollination. After flowering and pollination, the plant produces seed capsules with a characteristic beak-like appearance, allowing for seed dispersal in late summer or early fall. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, conserving energy to complete the cycle again the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei', commonly known as Bloody Cranesbill, is typically propagated by division or by basal cuttings. The most popular method is division, which is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant and gently pull it apart into smaller sections, each with a segment of root and a few shoots. These segments can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish the roots in their new location. This method of propagation is highly effective for Bloody Cranesbill and helps to rejuvenate older clumps that might have become woody or less vigorous.
