Geranium sanguineum

True geraniums - not the big showy annuals (actually called Pelargoniums) - are fantastic plants that provide near-year-round interest in the garden. The foliage of the geraniums in our gardens remain green through November before turning the most beautiful shade of crimson in December. They are extremely easy to grow in average garden soil in full sun to part shade.

Bloody cranesbill is the most popular hardy geranium in the US. Small, divided leaves form a spreading mound that is absolutely smothered in magenta flowers in May and June. Reblooms lightly and sporadically through September. Red fall foliage is spectacular.

Distinctions: Winner of the GreatPlants award; Plant of the Year 2001 in Germany.

Zones: 3 to 8

Family: Geraniaceae

Type: Perennial

Height: 12 to 24 in.

Spread: 12 to 24 in.

Exposure: full sun to part-shade

Soil Conditions: dry, well-drained

Bloom Time: May to September

Bloom Color: purple-red

Native Range: Europe and West Asia

Image Credits:

• Uschen, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons