Geranium sanguineum aka Bloody Crane's Bill

Taxonomy

Geranium sanguineum, also known as bloody crane's-bill or bloody geranium, is a hardy flowering herbaceous perennial plant in the cranesbill family Geraniaceae. It is the county flower of Northumberland and is native to Europe to the Caucasus. This plant is a hemicryptophyte, meaning its overwintering buds are situated just below the soil surface and the floral axis is more or less erect with a few leaves. It has a thick rhizome and stems that are prostrate to ascending, well-developed, very branched, and hairy. On average, it reaches a height of 30-50 centimeters (12-20 inches). Bloody geranium is also a rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than one foot from a window. This plant likes soil that is good at retaining moisture and should be repotted each time it doubles in size. It is part of the Geranium genus and is a beautiful addition to any home or garden.

Common names

Bloody Crane's Bill, Bloody Geranium, Bloody Cranesbill

How to care for Bloody Crane's Bill

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Bloody Crane's Bill due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Bloody Crane's Bill should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

When growing Bloody Crane's Bill, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Bloody Geranium with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Bloody Crane's Bill from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Bloody Cranesbill regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Bloody Crane's Bill will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Bloody Crane's Bill prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Bloody Crane's Bill to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Bloody Crane's Bill should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia