Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum 'John Elsley')
Geranium sanguineum 'John Elsley' (Bloody cranesbill) offers carmine red blooms May-Aug. Low maintenance groundcover for zones 3-8.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Geranium sanguineum ‘John Elsley’, commonly known as Bloody cranesbill, is a highly valued, low-growing, herbaceous perennial prized for its extended bloom period and excellent hardiness. This prostrate cultivar forms dense, attractive mounds ideal for softening hard edges in the garden landscape. It produces cheerful flowers from late spring well into the summer months, offering reliable color where many other perennials have finished their initial flush.
The cultivar ‘John Elsley’ distinguishes itself with carmine red flowers measuring about 3/4” across, contrasting nicely against its shallowly lobed, dark green foliage. It is celebrated for being a workhorse in the garden, tolerating heat and cold better than many related geranium species, making Geranium sanguineum ‘John Elsley’ a versatile addition to diverse climates.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Bloody cranesbill requires minimal intervention once established, featuring low maintenance requirements suitable for busy gardeners. Its ability to handle various light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, ensures its usefulness across different garden niches.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Geraniaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
- Spread: 0.25-1 ft
- Bloom Time: May to August
- Bloom Description: Carmine red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Geranium sanguineum ‘John Elsley’ in spring or fall after the risk of hard frost has passed, setting it into average, medium-moisture, well-drained soil. While the plant tolerates some drought and has shown good tolerance for clay soil, it thrives best when given moist, humusy soil conditions, especially during establishment and peak summer heat. Ensure the location provides either full sun or partial shade for optimal flowering.
Water Geranium sanguineum ‘John Elsley’ consistently to maintain medium moisture, though established plants are fairly resilient. Fertilization is generally unnecessary; rich soil encourages excessive, floppy growth. Deadheading the spent flowers throughout the season is optional; while it might encourage slightly more sporadic summer blooms, it can be tedious for large masses of Bloody cranesbill.
For an aesthetic refresh, the foliage can be lightly sheared back after the first main flush of color to tidy the mound and encourage new growth. This plant handles cold winters well, typically returning reliably in spring. Propagation of this cultivar is straightforward, achieved easily through division, taking tip cuttings, or collecting seed.
Landscape Uses
Bloody cranesbill excels as an edging plant along walkways or borders where its low, spreading habit effectively blankets the ground. Its dense growth makes Geranium sanguineum ‘John Elsley’ an excellent mass planting choice for creating a cohesive, low-maintenance ground cover over small areas. It effectively suppresses weeds due to its coverage.
Consider planting Geranium sanguineum ‘John Elsley’ near taller perennials or shrubs that may flop over time; the cranesbill will fill in the gaps beneath them beautifully. It pairs well with plants that enjoy similar sun and moisture profiles, such as ornamental grasses, Shasta daisies, or low-growing hostas that appreciate some dappled light. Its texture and color provide contrast without demanding constant attention.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Geranium sanguineum, commonly called bloody cranesbill or bloodred geranium, is an herbaceous, clump-forming perennial that typically grows in a mound to 9-12” tall with white-hairy trailing stems spreading over time to as much as 24” wide. It is native to Europe and Asia. It is perhaps the most common species of geranium grown in the U.S. Today. Foliage consists of small, shallowly cut, dark green basal leaves and thinner, more deeply cut stem leaves. Solitary flowers (to 1 1/2” diameter) feature five unnotched magenta to purple crimson petals with darker veins. Flowers primarily bloom in May and June with a sparse but variable rebloom occurring throughout summer. After first fall frost, foliage usually turns attractive shades of red. Genus name comes from the Greek word geranos meaning crane in reference to the fruit which purportedly resembles the head and beak of a crane. Specific epithet comes from the Latin word sanguineus meaning blood red in reference to the flower color and red autumn leaves of the straight species. ‘John Eisley’ is a prostrate cultivar which forms a mound of foliage which typically rises to 3-6” tall but spreads over time to 12” wide or more. It features five-petaled, carmine red flowers (3/4” diameter) and small, deeply lobed dark green leaves. Foliage turns red in fall. This cultivar was introduced by Wayside Gardens of Hodges, South Carolina in honor of John Elsley who served for a number of years as their Director of Horticulture.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Clay Soil
Potential Problems
Bloody cranesbill generally demonstrates excellent vigor and resistance to serious garden pests and diseases. Gardeners should monitor for occasional susceptibility to leaf spots or rusts, particularly in very damp, humid seasons or where air circulation is poor. Ensure good drainage is maintained to minimize fungal issues. Otherwise, this perennial often remains pest-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Bloody cranesbill suitable for?
Geranium sanguineum ‘John Elsley’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 8, providing a wide range of planting options.
How large does Bloody cranesbill grow?
This prostrate cultivar typically reaches only 0.25 to 0.5 feet in height, spreading outwards to between 0.25 and 1 foot wide.
When does Bloody cranesbill bloom?
Bloody cranesbill commences flowering in May and continues its display sporadically through August, featuring vibrant carmine red blossoms.
What sun exposure does Geranium sanguineum ‘John Elsley’ need?
Geranium sanguineum ‘John Elsley’ performs best when positioned in locations receiving either full sun or partial shade.
Conclusion
The ‘John Elsley’ cultivar provides dependable visual interest with minimal effort, establishing itself as a cornerstone for low-maintenance perennial borders thanks to its bloom time and adaptability across hardiness zones 3-8. If you seek reliable ground cover featuring carmine red flowers, Geranium sanguineum ‘John Elsley’ is an excellent, disease-resistant choice; confirm your soil drainage before planting.
Propagation Tips
Division is one of the simplest methods for propagating Geranium sanguineum ‘John Elsley’ and renewing older clumps. It is best performed in early spring before new growth hardens off or in early fall. Gently dig up the mature clump and carefully tease apart the root masses, ensuring each division has several healthy root sections and at least one growing point.
This ground cover is also amenable to propagation via tip cuttings taken from non-flowering stems during the summer months. Place these cuttings in a moist medium under humid conditions to root successfully. While seed collection is possible, germination can be slow, and the resulting seedlings might not perfectly match the specific traits of the ‘John Elsley’ cultivar.
Companion Planting
Since Bloody cranesbill prefers well-drained soil and medium moisture, choose companions that share similar cultural requirements for the best results. Plants that benefit from the spreading habit of Geranium sanguineum ‘John Elsley’ filling space around their base work well. Good partners include Nepeta (Catmint), whose softer texture and light purple blooms contrast nicely with the carmine flowers.
Consider pairing this crane’s-bill with silver-leaved plants like Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ears), or plants that offer textural contrast, such as ornamental grasses with fine blades. In partial shade settings, Heuchera (Coral Bells) varieties that offer deep purple or lime green foliage can enhance the visual impact of the dark green leaves of the Bloody cranesbill.
