Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum 'New Hampshire Purple')

Overview

Geranium sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’, commonly known as Bloody cranesbill, is a highly appreciated herbaceous perennial valued for its deep magenta flowers and robust constitution. This cultivar forms attractive, low-growing mounds perfect for softening the edges of garden beds or acting as a reliable groundcover. Gardeners favor this variety because it offers excellent visual impact, flowering primarily from May into June, while retaining very manageable low maintenance needs.

It is noted for its relative adaptability; Geranium sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’ demonstrates better tolerance to both intense summer heat and severe winter cold compared to many other geranium species. Whether used as an accent or massed for coverage, Bloody cranesbill provides season-long texture with its deeply lobed, dark green foliage. This dependable perennial ensures vibrant color and structure without demanding constant care.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Geraniaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Deep Magenta
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Geranium sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’ in spring or fall, ensuring a location that provides full sun to light afternoon shade. This Bloody cranesbill thrives in average, medium-moisture soil that is well-drained. While it tolerates some drought once established, the most vigorous growth and substantial flowering occur when soil remains consistently moist and humusy.

Watering should be consistent, especially during dry spells, but avoid overly saturated conditions, as good drainage is crucial for overall health. Fertilizing is rarely necessary; over-enriching the soil can lead to floppier growth rather than dense mounds of color. Maintenance is generally considered low.

Deadheading the mass blooms of Geranium sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’ can be tedious but may encourage sporadic rebloom throughout the summer. If you skip deadheading, some mild self-seeding might occur. Lightly shear the foliage back after the main flush to tidy the plant’s appearance and promote fresh growth before autumn color sets in. This plant propagates easily via tip cuttings, division, or seed for expanding your collection.

Landscape Uses

The compact habit and spreading stems make Bloody cranesbill an excellent choice for the front of borders where its flower display can be easily appreciated. Use Geranium sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’ to edge pathways or line walkways, benefiting from its ability to spill gracefully over hardscape materials. It is also highly effective when massed together to create a small area ground cover that suppresses weeds naturally.

For rock gardens, this perennial creates a wonderful contrast against stones and gravel. Consider pairing it with spring-blooming bulbs that fade as the Geranium takes center stage. Thanks to its reliable nature, it works well beside other low-growing perennials that enjoy similar sun and moisture profiles without requiring identical pruning schedules.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

The standard Geranium sanguineum is often called bloody cranesbill due to the deep red hues sometimes present in the straight species’ autumn foliage or flower color, referencing the Latin sanguineus. The ‘New Hampshire Purple’ cultivar confirms this visual appeal, typically reaching 8-12 inches tall and spreading to about 18 inches wide with deeply lobed, dark green leaves. Its solitary flowers, around 3/4 inch in diameter, present a rich deep magenta hue during peak bloom in late spring, with sporadic blooms continuing into summer.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Clay Soil

Potential Problems

Generally, Bloody cranesbill presents very few horticultural challenges, exhibiting no serious insect or disease problems under normal conditions. Gardeners should watch for occasional susceptibility to common fungal issues like leaf spots or rusts, particularly in humid or crowded situations where air circulation is poor. Maintaining proper spacing and ensuring well-drained soil are the best preventative measures against these minor issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Bloody cranesbill suitable for?

Geranium sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’ is remarkably cold-hardy, being perfectly suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 8.

How large does Geranium sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’ grow?

This variety typically reaches a height between 0.75 and 1 foot tall, spreading between 1 and 1.5 feet wide, forming a tidy, spreading mound.

What sun exposure does Bloody cranesbill need?

For best performance and strongest deep magenta blooms, plant Geranium sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’ in areas receiving full sun to part shade.

When does Bloody cranesbill bloom?

The primary bloom time for this popular cultivar is late spring to early summer, typically running from May to June, with scattered flowers appearing afterward.

Conclusion

Geranium sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’ offers gardeners a dependable burst of deep magenta color coupled with exceptionally low maintenance requirements, making it a superstar for mixed borders and groundcover applications. Ensure your site offers well-drained soil and adequate light to maximize the beauty of this tough Bloody cranesbill. Check your regional hardiness compatibility now to plan your planting this season.

Propagation Tips

Propagating Geranium sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’ is relatively straightforward, adding to its appeal for gardeners looking to quickly establish masses or share divisions. The easiest method for established clumps is division, which should typically be performed in early spring before active growth begins or in the fall. Ensure each division retains healthy roots and a few shoots for successful reestablishment.

Tip cuttings can also be taken from young, non-flowering growth during the growing season. Place these cuttings in a moist, well-draining medium under humid conditions to encourage root development. While seed is an option, note that the progeny may exhibit slight variations from the parent plant, as is common with many named cultivars of herbaceous perennials.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring preparation for your Bloody cranesbill should involve cleaning up any old foliage left from the previous season. If you notice the plant looking a bit rangy after its main bloom in early summer, a light shearing (about 1/3 volume reduction) can revitalize the mats of green foliage and prompt a modest rebloom period. Never hesitate to shape side stems as needed to maintain desired garden borders.

During the height of summer, confirm consistent medium moisture, especially if planted in full sun, although Geranium sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’ handles dry conditions better than many alternatives. Once the first heavy fall frost arrives, the foliage often transforms into attractive shades of red, providing late-season interest before it dies back naturally for winter dormancy.