Care of the plant Geranium sanguineum or Bloody Cranesbill |
The genus Geranium, family Geraniaceae, includes more than 400 species of herbaceous plants native to Asia, the Mediterranean region, and North America. Some species are: Geranium sanguineum, Geranium palmatum, Geranium incanum, Geranium argenteum, Geranium pratense, Geranium tuberosum, Geranium nepalense. Common names: Bloody Cranesbill, Bloody geranium or Blood-red cranesbill. This species is native to Europe and Turkey. They are herbaceous rhizomatous perennial plants of covering habit that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height. The palmate leaves are divided into narrow lobes of deep or dark green color. The attractive flowers are up to 4 cm (1.57") in diameter and are magenta pink, white or pale pink. They bloom throughout the summer. These easy-to-grow plants are used to cover slopes, in rockeries, in wild gardens, on borders and in pots for balconies, patios and terraces. Geranium sanguineum grows in full sun and semi-shade exposures. It does not resist frost. The soil can be a normal, well-drained garden soil with 1/3 of coarse siliceous sand and a little organic matter. Planting is done in spring. Water regularly so that the substrate is always slightly damp (never flood). Fertilize in spring and summer with mineral fertilizer every 3 weeks. Prune off wilted flower stalks and dry leaves. Bloody Cranesbill is a quite resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to the accumulation of water in the roots caused by poor drainage. Sometimes it's attacked by insects. Geranium sanguineum is propagated from seeds sown in spring, by basal cuttings and by division. |
Images of the plant Geranium sanguineum or Bloody Cranesbill |