Also known as Blood-Red Crane's-Bill · Blood-Red Geranium · Bloody Cranesbill
Bloody Crane's-bill (Geranium sanguineum) is a hardy perennial with deeply lobed, dark green leaves and vibrant magenta-pink flowers, blooming from late spring to early a
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Thrives in full sun, which encourages abundant flowering. Tolerates partial shade, though flowering may be reduced.
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers to dry out slightly between waterings once established. Water regularly during dry spells, especially for young plants. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, from cold winters to warm summers. Protect from extreme heat by providing some afternoon shade.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Generally does not require heavy feeding. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during dry periods, especially when young and establishing. Once mature, Geranium sanguineum is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings.
Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged soil.
To encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance, deadhead spent flowers regularly. After the main flush of blooms in midsummer, a light trim can rejuvenate the plant and promote a second flowering.
Cut back any straggly or overgrown stems to the base.
Geranium sanguineum is easily propagated by division in spring or early autumn. Carefully dig up established clumps and divide them into smaller sections, ensuring each division has roots and shoots.
It can also be propagated from seed, sown in autumn or early spring.
As Geranium sanguineum is a perennial that performs well when slightly pot-bound, it rarely needs frequent repotting. If grown in a container and it appears to be outgrowing its pot, repot in spring into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Bloody Crane's-Bill (Geranium sanguineum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Geranium |
| Species | Geranium sanguineum |
Similar in genus Geranium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
