Geranium sanguineum

Blood Cranesbill

Geranium sanguineum — commonly called Bloody Cranesbill — is a compact, long-lived perennial valued for its bright flowers, neat habit, and attractive foliage. It forms a dense, low mound of finely divided green leaves that create a soft, textured appearance and often turn brilliant shades of red and orange in fall. From late spring through summer, it produces a steady display of vivid magenta-pink, cup-shaped flowers that rise just above the foliage.

Mature Size:
Width: 12–18 in
Height: 8–12 in

USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Average, well-drained soils; prefers lean conditions
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies; deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Compact, mounding perennial with a tidy habit
Bright magenta-pink flowers provide long-lasting color
Excellent fall color in red to orange tones
Great for borders, edging, and rock gardens
Performs well in sunny, well-drained sites

Maintenance:
Shear lightly after initial bloom to encourage continued flowering
Divide every few years to maintain vigor
Very low maintenance and long-lived

Plant type

Perennial

Height

8-12"

Width

12-18"

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Fall, Early Summer, Late Spring, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

Fuchsia

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green, Red

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Average, Well Drained

Landscape use

Border, Container, Ground Cover, Rock Garden

Shape

Mounded, Spreading

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No