Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum var. striatum)

Overview

Geranium sanguineum var. striatum, commonly known as Bloody cranesbill, offers delightful, fine-textured coverage suitable for many garden settings. This specific variety is highly valued for its large, pale pink flowers prominently laced with deep red veins, distinguishing it from the typical deep magenta of the straight species. It establishes quickly, forming dense, mounding clumps that suppress weeds effectively once established.

As a low-maintenance herbaceous perennial, Bloody cranesbill thrives across a substantial range of climates, providing reliable color from late spring into early summer. Its compact habit makes Geranium sanguineum var. Striatum excellent near pathways or along border fronts where its delicate foliage and striking blooms can be easily appreciated. Gardeners benefit from its adaptability to both sun and light shade conditions.

With its tolerance for clay soil and low watering requirements once settled, Geranium sanguineum var. striatum is a workhorse perennial. It provides excellent ground cover without the aggressive spread seen in some other geranium species, ensuring neatness alongside beauty in the landscape design.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Geraniaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Great Britain
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.5-0.75 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Pink/darker veins
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Bloody cranesbill in large groups during the spring or fall for the best establishment. While it adapts easily, it thrives in average, medium-moisture soil that must be well-drained. Though it tolerates some drought, ensure consistent moisture during its initial season and during extended hot, dry spells for the most vigorous display of flowers.

Maintenance for Geranium sanguineum var. striatum is refreshingly low. Fertilization is generally unnecessary unless planting in extremely poor soil. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage sporadic rebloom, though it is often omitted as the resulting seed heads are inconspicuous. If you wish to control its spread or tidy the plant, side stems can be lightly trimmed at any time.

To promote fresh, lush foliage after the main flush of flowers subsides in mid-summer, lightly shear the foliage back to reshape the clump. This practice revitalizes the plant before fall. Furthermore, the foliage of this species typically develops attractive red tones after the first fall frost, adding autumnal interest to the border.

This dependable variety handles both summer heat and winter cold better than many other geranium species, making propagation simple through division, tip cuttings, or seed. Its resilience translates directly into easy, long-term gardening success.

Landscape Uses

Bloody cranesbill is perfectly suited for the foreground of perennial borders where its lower stature (rarely exceeding 9 inches) keeps sightlines clear. Var. Striatum, with its refined pink flowers, works beautifully as a softening edge against hardscaping like stone paths or gravel. Mass planting this variety creates an excellent, low-growing ground cover for small to medium-sized areas.

Consider pairing Geranium sanguineum var. striatum with later-blooming perennials that will take over the display once the cranesbill slows down, such as salvias or coreopsis. Its fine texture contrasts wonderfully with plants featuring broader leaves, like hostas placed in partial shade. The deer and rabbit resistance offered by Bloody cranesbill is an added benefit when designing integrated garden spaces.

For rock gardens, the spreading, yet contained habit of Geranium sanguineum var. Striatum makes it an ideal choice, allowing its trailing stems to spill naturally over stones while its root structure anchors securely in average soil.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

The botanical distinction of Geranium sanguineum var. Striatum lies in its flowers: solitary blooms up to 1 1/2 inches wide display five unnotched petals of pale pink, beautifully traversed by contrasting dark red veins, giving it the ‘striped’ appearance referenced in its variety name. This dense, compact form grows usually between 6 to 8 inches tall, offering a tidier presentation than the straight species. The genus name, Geranium, is derived from the Greek word for crane, referencing the shape of the resulting seed capsule.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Clay Soil

Potential Problems

Geranium sanguineum var. striatum possesses excellent disease and pest resistance, meaning serious horticultural issues are rare. Gardeners should remain aware of a minor susceptibility to certain leaf spot diseases or rust, particularly in conditions where air circulation is poor or humidity is excessively high. Preventative measures include ensuring the planting area has good drainage and avoiding overhead watering in the evening to keep foliage dry overnight. Good air flow is key to keeping this tough perennial vigorous throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Bloody cranesbill suitable for?

Bloody cranesbill, or Geranium sanguineum var. striatum, is hardy and performs best when planted in USDA Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Bloody cranesbill grow?

This compact form typically reaches a height of 0.5 to 0.75 feet (6 to 9 inches) with a spread ranging between 1 and 1.5 feet wide.

When does Bloody cranesbill bloom?

Geranium sanguineum var. Striatum produces its main flowering display spanning from May through June, featuring lovely pink flowers with darker veins.

What sun exposure does Bloody cranesbill need?

This perennial adapts well to a range of light conditions, thriving in areas receiving full sun up to moderately shaded spots (part shade).

Conclusion

The low-maintenance requirements, attractive striped flowers, and reliable hardiness make Geranium sanguineum var. striatum an outstanding choice for reliable texture and color. This robust Bloody cranesbill adds undeniable charm without demanding constant attention in the garden. Before planting, verify that your location falls within USDA Zones 4 through 8 to ensure optimum perennial performance.

Propagation Tips

Propagation of Geranium sanguineum var. striatum is straightforward, appealing to both novice and experienced gardeners. The most reliable method for maintaining the exact characteristics of the parent plant is division, which should ideally be done in early spring or fall when the plant is not actively flowering. Gently lift the clump and tease apart root sections, ensuring each division has a healthy portion of roots and emerging shoot tissue before replanting immediately.

For those looking to increase stock rapidly, tip cuttings taken from new, non-flowering growth in late spring or early summer can be rooted successfully, though results may be slightly more variable than division. While seed is an option, remember that seed-grown progeny of Geranium sanguineum var. Striatum can exhibit significant variation from the named cultivar, often leading back to the characteristics of the straight species.

Design Ideas

Because Geranium sanguineum var. striatum spreads moderately to form a dense mat, utilize its creeping habit in modern, informal designs where softening hard lines is desired. Planted en masse across a slope, it helps stabilize soil erosion while providing season-long interest where formal lawn maintenance is impractical. Its preference for sun to part shade makes it an excellent bridge plant between sunnier borders and slightly more dappled areas under high tree canopy.

Use the pale pink, veined flowers of the Bloody cranesbill as a subtle textural element that pairs beautifully with silver-leaved companions like Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) or trailing thyme varieties. The foliage remains attractive even when not in bloom, acting as a low green carpet that contrasts nicely with the upright forms of summer bloomers like Shasta Daisies or Coneflowers planted behind it.