Bloodred geranium is a wide-spreading ground cover with magenta flowers. It can be used in part shade as well as full sun.
Size and Method of spreading:
Bloodred geranium is a trailing low-growing ground cover that grows 6 to 12 inches tall and up to 24 inches wide. Trailing ground covers have trailing stems that spread out from the central root system. These stems spread out horizontally over the ground, but do not root to the ground.
Native geographic location and habitat:
Bloodred geranium is native to Europe and Asia.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:
The leaves are five to seven lobed, with each lobe often subdivided into large, rounded teeth. The leaves are pubescent with short, dense, soft downy hairs on the surface. Bloodred geranium foliage turns red in the fall.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size:
The five-petaled flowers are magenta or purple-red. The flowers are solitary on stems arising from the axils. Bloodred Geranium flowers from late spring into mid-summer.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:
The fruits are beaked capsules and are said to resemble a cranes bill and are not ornamentally important.
Plant care:
Bloodred geranium prefers partial shade, but it tolerates full sun better than many species of geranium. Moist, well-drained soils are best for this plant.
List of pests and diseases:
No serious pest or disease problems. Bloodred Geranium is resistant to deer.
Elke bloodred geranium (Geranium sanguineum ‘Elke’):
It has showy, pink flowers with white edging, magenta veins and a white center. This compact, clump-forming selection will reach up to 1 foot tall with an 18 inch spread.
Max Frei bloodred geranium (Geranium sanguineum ‘Max Frei’):
It has a compact growth habit only growing 4 to 9 inches tall with bright purple-red flowers.
New Hampshire Purple bloodred geranium (Geranium sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’):
This cultivar typically grows to 8 to 12 inches tall and will spread up to 18 inches wide. It is noted for its deep, vivid magenta flowers.
Striatum bloodred geranium (Geranium sanguineum ‘Striatum’):
It has a compact growth habit of 6 to 8 inches tall with large, pale pink, red-veined flowers.
