Bloody Cranesbill Geranium
- Scientific Name: Geranium sanguineum
- Garden: Beneficial Insects and Compost Garden
- Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
- Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous
- Sun/Shade Exposure: Part Shade to Full Shade
- Moisture Requirements: Moist, Well-Drained
Plant Information
Geraniums are referred to as “cranesbills” because the plant’s fruit resembles a crane’s bill. The genus geranium has four hundred species and countless cultivars. However, not all geranium species are suitable for the garden as some are not hardy enough to survive winters outdoors in northern climates, while others are very weedy in nature.
Geraniums are known for the breadth of conditions they can tolerate, from full sun to dry shade, as well as the ease with which they can be grown. They are a favorite with bees and butterflies. Flower colors ranging from white, blue, purple and a multitude of pinks. In addition, many of the flowers have interesting variegation, veining and spotting.
Leaf colors range from green, green with dark markings, green with yellow markings, as well as brown. Geraniums can be fun and easy for any kind of gardener and garden condition. They can liven up a rock garden or add texture and color to a romantic rose garden. In addition, many work well in dappled shade conditions underneath deciduous trees. They combine beautifully with shasta daisies, peonies and iris.