Description
Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' | Bloody cranesbill
The charming Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei', commonly known as bloody cranesbill, enchants with its vibrant display of purple and pink flowers from May through July. This low-growing perennial is perfect for adding a splash of colour to borders, group plantings, and even as an eye-catching edge. Its compact and bushy spreading growth habit makes it an ideal choice for pots and planters as well, providing a lush green backdrop to its summery blooms.
Key features
The Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' offers numerous desirable characteristics to gardeners and landscapers:
- A robust and versatile plant, it thrives in all soil types, provided they are well-drained.
- Its adaptability allows it to flourish in both sun and partial shade, making it a flexible option for different garden spaces.
- This species is not evergreen but its deciduous foliage maintains a vivid green throughout the growing seasons.
- The 'Max Frei' does not bear fruit, which allows it to direct all its energy into producing an abundant floral display.
- With an ultimate height of 25 cm (10 inches), it is an excellent choice for creating low but dense swaths of colour.
Tips
- To ensure your Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' remains healthy and vibrant, regular watering is necessary, especially during dry periods. However, be careful not to overwater, as this species does not tolerate drought conditions well.
- Consider mulching around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and to keep the roots cool.
- Division of the plant should be carried out in spring or autumn to promote vigorous growth and to rejuvenate older plants. This also provides an opportunity to expand your garden's display by planting the divided sections elsewhere.
- While the 'Max Frei' is a hardy plant, it can benefit from a light trim after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second blooming period.
Incorporate the Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' into your garden for a touch of enduring summer beauty that will return year after year.