Geranium sanguineum 'Album' is a compact mounding perennial known for its pure white cup shaped flowers and deeply lobed dark green foliage that often turns red in fall. The long bloom season, refined texture, and resistance to browsing make it a valuable addition to mixed borders, especially where contrast with darker colored flowers or foliage is desired.
Height & Spread: 9 - 12 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Well drained, sandy or loamy soils
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant
Native Status
This cultivar derives from the European native Geranium sanguineum, which is found across grasslands and rocky slopes from western Europe to western Asia. Though not native to North America, it is widely naturalized and used in ornamental plantings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts small butterflies such as Spring Azures and Eastern Tailed Blues seeking nectar from the open flowers.
Bees
- Visited by a wide range of bees including honeybees, bumblebees, and sweat bees drawn to its long flowering period and accessible pollen.
Moths
- Supports day flying moths such as Chickweed Geometer and Common Spring Moth, which may visit the flowers in open sunny areas.
Birds
- Provides cover at ground level for small songbirds and the seed capsules may be pecked at by finches and sparrows late in the season.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 12 - 18 in apart to form low, mounded clumps without overcrowding adjacent perennials.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for border edges, rock gardens, or beneath taller perennials where its compact habit and long bloom season offer sustained visual interest. Also useful in naturalized drifts or meadow gardens with moderate sun exposure.
Companion Plants
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' (Threadleaf Coreopsis) - Bright yellow flowers and fine foliage contrast well with Geranium’s form and white blooms.
- Heuchera villosa 'Autumn Bride' (Hairy Alumroot) - Broad light green leaves and late white flower sprays echo and soften the Geranium’s form.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Wood Sage) - Deep violet spikes provide height and rich contrast through summer.
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Aromatic silver foliage and purple blooms complement Geranium's mounding habit.
- Achillea millefolium 'Paprika' (Yarrow) - Provides a broader upright habit and warm red blooms to balance Geranium's rounded cool tones.