bloody cranesbill

Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum 'Elke') should be watered once or twice a week, depending on soil moisture. Watering should be done in the morning, allowing the foliage to dry before nightfall. Water until the soil is moist but not soggy, being careful not to over-water. Water should be applied at the soil level, avoiding wetting the foliage, and allowing the excess water to drain away to prevent water-logging. During periods of hot weather, water more frequently in order to keep the soil moist. Reduce watering in autumn and winter when the growth is slower.

Bloody cranesbill thrives in full sun, and will perform best when grown in an area with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Thus, providing this plant with adequate sunlight is vital for its successful growth. As a hardy perennial, bloody cranesbill is able to handle more sun than many other plants, so it can tolerate being placed in a full-sun or partial-sun location. It can also tolerate some shade, although it is more likely to thrive in a spot that gets the sun for at least half of the day.

Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum 'Elke') should be pruned when the flowers on the plant are finished blooming. This will help to encourage reblooming, as well as keep the plant in a well managed shape. Pruning should be done by cutting off the entire flowering stem with a pair of scissors just above where the stem meets the main stem of the plant. This method of pruning also helps the plant conserve its energy reserves. For a full pruning, the entire plant should be pruned back to within a few inches of the base. This should be done during late summer or early autumn as needed.