Geranium sanguineum 'Album'
white bloody cranesbill
Overview
Geranium sanguineum 'Album' is the white-flowered form of bloody cranesbill, a clump-forming hardy perennial in the geranium family reaching 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall and spreading 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. It forms a low mound of deeply cut, rounded dark green leaves about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across, divided into 5-7 narrow lobes, which take on red and orange tints in autumn. From June into September it carries single, saucer-shaped flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide, pure white with faint green veining, held singly on slender stalks above the foliage. Where the species G. sanguineum bears magenta-pink flowers, this cultivar is white, and its habit is slightly taller and looser than the species' typical 6-9 inch (15-23 cm) dome. The plant grows from a branching rootstock and increases slowly into wider clumps. One limitation is that flowering is heaviest in early summer and slows in heat, and the mound can open at the center in shade or rich soil. It does not come true from seed and is increased by division.
Native Range
The species Geranium sanguineum is native to Europe and western Asia, from Britain east to the Caucasus, where it grows in dry grassland, open woodland, dunes, and on limestone. The cultivar 'Album' is a garden selection of this widespread species.Suggested Uses
Used as groundcover, edging, and at the front of sunny to lightly shaded borders, and in rock and gravel gardens. The white flowers combine with blue, purple, and silver-leaved perennials. It is grown to soften path edges and fill gaps between shrubs.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from June into September, heaviest in early to midsummer. Single white flowers open in succession above the foliage on slender stalks. Removing spent flowers and shearing the plant after the main flush can prompt a second show of bloom.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with green veinsFoliage Description
Dark green, red-orange in autumnGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Geranium sanguineum 'Album' in full sun to partial shade in any reasonably fertile, well-drained soil. The plant tolerates drought once established and grows in poor and stony ground, though flowering is fuller in sun. Water during establishment and in prolonged dry spells. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 suits it, and rich feeding is not needed. Shearing the whole plant back after the first flush of bloom tidies the mound and encourages fresh foliage and rebloom. Divide congested clumps in spring or autumn every three to four years.Pruning
Shear the whole plant back to the base after the main flush of bloom to remove spent stems and prompt a fresh mound of foliage. Cut away dead leaves in late winter or early spring. Divide and replant the outer sections of old clumps to keep them vigorous.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons