Species bloody geranium
shrub with small, purple and white flowers and small green leaves

bloody geranium

Geranium sanguineum

The Bloody Geranium (Geranium sanguineum) is truly amazing. Its vibrant magenta and deep-green foliage create a dazzling display that is sure to catch anyone's eye. The flowers are a subtle pink, making it the perfect pop of color for any garden. This species is incredibly hardy and can thrive in areas with hot daytime temperatures and cold nighttime temperatures. Its leaves have a unique scalloped shape, lacy texture, and rough texture. It's also low maintenance, tolerant of drought and sun, and deer-resistant, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels. Bloody Geraniums add a cheerful and unique touch to any landscape.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Pink-reddish purple Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Fruits:

purple,magenta Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water Bloody Geranium (Geranium sanguineum) regularly and deeply to keep the plant healthy and blooming. Water more frequently when temperatures are warm, about once or twice a week during summer. When the temperatures cool in the fall, reduce watering to about once every 2 weeks. In winter, water monthly or when the soil feels dry. When watering, make sure to wet the entire root system and gradually increase the amount of water each time. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings in order for the plant to thrive.

sunlight

For bloody geranium plants, the optimal amount of sunlight is full sun for 6-8 hours per day. These plants require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight, but can tolerate up to 8 hours of direct sunlight when established. When exposed to too much sunlight, the foliage may look burnt or scorched. It's best to find a sunny spot with well-draining soil and moderately consistent temperatures.

pruning

Geranium sanguineum, commonly known as bloody geranium, is a perennial flowering plant easily recognizable for its large, 5-petalled, dark-pink to magenta flowers. Pruning for this species should be done twice a year – in late winter and late summer – to maintain the desired size, shape, and promote bushier growth. When pruning in the late winter, look for old and weak stems to cut out, as well as stems that are growing in undesirable directions. During this pruning, avoid cutting into young, fresh growth, as this will stunt the plant’s future growth. The late summer pruning will be most effective if done right after the flowering period has concluded. Trim the stems down by about ½ a foot to encourage new growth, creating a mound-shaped bush. This will also ensure that the plant will receive more airflow, minimizing the risk of disease. Overall, with some light pruning twice a year, bloody geraniums should maintain their desired shape and feel.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The Geranium sanguineum typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Geranium sanguineum is in July and August.

Hardiness Map