Geranium sanguineum 'Striatum' is a compact long blooming cultivar of Bloody Cranesbill prized for its delicate pale pink flowers veined with soft rose. Its finely cut foliage turns a brilliant red in fall extending seasonal interest beyond its generous flowering period. This durable perennial forms tidy mounds and naturalizes gently making it a standout in both formal and informal plantings.
Height & Spread: 8 - 12 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer with sporadic rebloom
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Well drained, moderately fertile soils
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; tolerates some drought once established
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant due to aromatic foliage
Native Status
This cultivar originates from the European native Geranium sanguineum, which is commonly found in grasslands and rocky outcrops across the continent. 'Striatum' was selected for its compact form and distinct floral coloring.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts small butterflies such as Spring Azure and Pearl Crescent with its open nectar rich flowers.
Bees
- Visited by bumblebees, mining bees, and small sweat bees during its extended bloom season.
Moths
- Provides nectar for day flying moths like the Chickweed Geometer and other small Geometrid species.
Beneficial Insects
- Supports hoverflies and parasitic wasps that help control garden pests while feeding on nectar and pollen.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to encourage full ground level coverage and natural mound formation.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for edging perennial borders, planting along stone paths, or weaving through low herbaceous plantings. Also effective in containers and rock gardens.
Companion Plants
- Campanula carpatica 'Blue Clips' (Carpathian Bellflower) - Offers low growing blue blooms that contrast beautifully with Geranium’s pink tones and shares similar soil and sun preferences.
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' (English Lavender) - Offers fragrant purple flower spikes and silvery foliage that echo the fine texture of Geranium’s leaves.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Wood Sage) - Contributes vertical spikes of violet blue flowers and aromatic foliage that contrast nicely in both texture and color.
- Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) - Provides edible foliage and early summer purple flower heads that pair well in small scale sunny gardens.
- Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift) - Adds compact evergreen mounds and bright pink flower globes that complement the pale pink blooms of 'Striatum'.