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Bloody Crane's-bill

Geranium sanguineum

Also listed as Geranium grandiflorum, Geranium lancastriense

Also known as Bloody Geranium, Blood-red Crane's-bill

herbaceous☀️ full sun💧 low water❄ Hardy: Zone 3a – Zone 8b

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A low-growing hardy perennial with deeply cut foliage and vibrant magenta-pink flowers with darker veining. Excellent groundcover or border plant that blooms profusely and attracts pollinators.

Why grow it

Geranium sanguineum is notably more compact and densely mounding than many other hardy geraniums, making it particularly useful for edging and small-scale groundcover roles. Its extended bloom period (late spring through summer) and ability to thrive in well-drained soils with minimal fertility give it an advantage over cultivars that demand richer conditions. The plant tolerates partial shade better than many magenta-flowered perennials, expanding placement options in mixed borders.

Watch out for

In hot, humid climates, this plant may struggle with powdery mildew or decline during extended wet periods, so ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. The self-seeding tendency is moderate but worth monitoring if you prefer to control its spread within a bed.

Overview

Form
Mounding
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
1.5–2′ tall × 2–3′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Geraniaceae
dynamic accumulatormedicinalpollinator nectary

Native Range

Europe

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

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Companion Planting

Plants well with