Bloody cranesbill and Hardy geranium hybrids are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, flowers, pollinator friendly, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Geranium sanguineum 30 cm × 60 cm after 10 years
A tough ground-covering perennial that forms a low mound of finely cut leaves, dotted with magenta-pink flowers from late spring into summer, and…
Geranium × hybridum 50 cm × 70 cm after 10 years
This record covers the garden cranesbills sold by cultivar name: loose mounds of cut leaves with saucer-shaped blue, purple, pink or white flowers,…
Bloody cranesbill is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -29 °C for Hardy geranium hybrids.
Bloody cranesbill tolerates drought better than Hardy geranium hybrids.
Hardy geranium hybrids is cheaper: about €5.40 at the size usually planted, against about €9.90 for Bloody cranesbill.
|
Feature
|
Bloody cranesbill
|
Hardy geranium hybrids
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Perennial | Perennial |
| Size after 10 years | 30 cm × 60 cm | 50 cm × 70 cm |
| Ultimate size | 20–50 cm × 30–60 cm | 0.3–1 m × 0.3–1 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | no data |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | May–August, pink, purple | May–September, blue, purple, pink, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 35 cm | 50 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €9.90 | approx. €5.40 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
Besides the cookies the site needs to work, we would like to use analytics and advertising cookies (Google, Facebook), if you allow it. Details