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Bloody Crane's-Bill (Geranium sanguineum), whole plant
  • Bloody Crane's-Bill — close-up of leaves and flowers
  • Bloody Crane's-Bill — seasonal appearance
  • Bloody Crane's-Bill in a garden setting

Bloody Crane's-Bill

Geranium sanguineum

Easy · Beginner friendly

About Bloody Crane's-Bill

Geranium sanguineum, the bloody cranesbill, is a tough, low-growing perennial producing saucer-shaped magenta-pink flowers over finely cut foliage from late spring through autumn. Native to Europe and western Asia, it forms neat mounds 20–40 cm tall that color brilliantly in autumn with red and purple foliage. Unlike Pelargonium (the 'geranium' of window boxes), this is a true Geranium — hardy, perennial, and cold-tolerant. It thrives in poor soil, tolerates drought, and requires almost no maintenance. The cultivar 'Max Frei' is among the most popular ground-cover perennials.

  • Drought-tolerant
  • Groundcover
  • Fall-color
WATER
Low water
Minimal water
LIGHT
Full sun
6+ hrs direct
HARDY
Hardy to -40°F (-40°C)
USDA hardiness zones 3–8

How to care for Bloody Crane's-Bill

Watering

  • Springevery 7 days
  • Summerevery 5 days
  • Fallevery 10 days
  • Winterevery 21 days

Soil · Well-draining

  • Top dressingPine bark mulch10%
  • Main mixPotting soil + perlite 2:170%
  • DrainageLECA / gravel20%

Never skip the drainage layer — standing water is the top cause of root rot.

FERTILIZER

  • Springevery 30 days
  • Summerevery 30 days
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At a Glance

  • NativeEurope, Western Asia, Mediterranean
  • Height0.5–1.5 ft (0.2–0.5 m)
  • Spread1–2 ft (0.3–0.6 m)
  • Flower colorPink, Purple, White
  • Foliage colorGreen, Red
  • SoilLoamy, Well-drained, Neutral
  • LocationsYard

Bloom time

BLOOM CYCLE

Peak bloom

Sep–Nov

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Long bloom season; magenta flowers; spectacular autumn leaf color; drought-proof

Fragrance

LIGHT FRAGRANCE

Mild musky scent when leaves are crushed.

Toxicity

Humans Safe · Pets Safe

tannins

Safe

EXPOSURE No exposure route is reported.

EFFECT No significant toxicity and historically used in folk medicine.

NOTE Listed as non-toxic for humans; avoid eating ornamental plants unless confirmed edible.

Safe

EXPOSURE No exposure route is reported.

EFFECT Not listed as toxic and true Geranium distinct from toxic Pelargonium.

NOTE Listed as non-toxic for dogs; avoid eating ornamental plants unless confirmed edible.

Safe

EXPOSURE No exposure route is reported.

EFFECT Not listed as toxic.

NOTE Listed as non-toxic for cats; avoid eating ornamental plants unless confirmed edible.

Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.

DISTRIBUTION

Bloody Crane's-Bill · Native
  • Native
  • Introduced
  • Europe
  • Western Asia
  • Mediterranean

History

Illustrated historical scene for Bloody Crane's-Bill

Geranium sanguineum, the true cranesbill geranium (not to be confused with tender South African Pelargonium), is native across Europe to the Caucasus and western Siberia, growing on limestone grasslands, coastal dunes, and open woods. The common name "bloody" refers to the crimson-magenta flowers and to the scarlet autumn foliage; "cranesbill" describes the long beaked seed capsule. John Gerard's 1597 Herball included it among wound-stanching herbs, reflecting folk use of astringent tannin-rich foliage.

It entered formal gardens in the 17th century and rose to prominence through 20th-century British perennial advocates like Graham Stuart Thomas, who promoted it as an easy, drought-tolerant, long-flowering groundcover. The cultivar "Max Frei," introduced from German nurseries in the 1970s, is among the most widely planted hardy perennials in temperate gardens.

When ripe, the capsule splits and coils explosively, launching seeds meters away — one of nature's elegant ballistic mechanisms. Geranium sanguineum has been used in European folk medicine for centuries — the tannin-rich roots were used as an astringent for diarrhea and wound healing. There are over 420 Geranium species worldwide, occupying habitats from alpine meadows to tropical highlands.

Symbolism & meaning

What It Symbolizes

Bloody Crane's-Bill embodies steadfastness, blooming month after month with zero fuss, its magenta flowers reliably opening from late spring well into autumn. It stands for reliable, unwavering devotion, the kind of love that does not require occasions or attention to keep going. It is often read as a flower of long quiet loyalty, the partner in the border who is simply, dependably, always there.

  • Steadfastness — Blooming month after month with zero fuss, it represents reliable, unwavering devotion

Where the Name Comes From

Geranium from Greek 'geranos' (crane), for the crane's-bill seed pod shape. Sanguineum means 'blood-red,' for the autumn leaf color.

Uses & Fun Facts

  • Magenta-flowered mounds carpet sunny border edges
  • Long bloom and fiery autumn foliage for rock gardens

Related plants

More Geranium plants

Plants with similar care

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Bloody Crane's-Bill?

In summer, water about every 5 days; in winter, about every 21 days. Adjust for heat, pot size and drainage.

How much light does Bloody Crane's-Bill need?

Full sun: 6+ hrs direct. Watch the leaves — scorching or stretching means the light needs adjusting.

Is Bloody Crane's-Bill toxic to cats or dogs?

Pets Safe (Dogs Safe · Cats Safe) Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.

Is Bloody Crane's-Bill easy to grow?

Yes — it is considered an easy, beginner-friendly plant.

When does Bloody Crane's-Bill bloom?

It typically blooms Sep–Nov in the Northern Hemisphere.

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