General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates some drought, but prefers and spreads best in moist, humusy soils with good drainage. Side stems may be removed at any time to control spread. Foliage may decline after flowering in hot summer climates. Plants may be cut or sheared back after flowering to rejuvenate, shape and/or encourage rebloom. If not sheared/deadheaded, some self-seeding may occur in ideal growing conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
This hardy geranium cultivar is a clump-forming perennial which forms a spreading mound of foliage that typically grows to 12" tall but spreads to 18" wide. Features 5-petaled, deep magenta flowers (3/4" diameter) and deeply-lobed, dark green leaves. Primarily blooms in May and June in hot summer climates such as the St. Louis area, but may bloom throughout the summer in cooler northern climates. Sparse summer or fall rebloom may occur in St. Louis, particularly if plants are cut back hard. Foliage often turns attractive shades of red in autumn. Plants of this species are often commonly called bloody cranesbill in reference to the deep red flowers and crane-like seed heads.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses:
Rock gardens. Borders. Cottage gardens. Specimen, ground cover or edger.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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