Bloody Cranesbill

Geranium sanguineum

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil or ericaceous compost
• Rate of growth: average to fast growing
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  In May through to June, this geranium is smothered with cheerful, cup-shaped magenta flowers with white centres and distinctive veins. Thriving in full sun or partial shade, it forms low hummocks of deeply cut, shiny, dark green leaves, ideal for suppressing weeds at the front of the border. It occurs naturally on acid soils, but will flourish in most fertile, well drained soils.

• Garden care: In midsummer rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded, by removing old flowered stems and leaves. Lift and divide large colonies in spring.