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Pruning guide · Perennial
Bloody cranesbill: when and how to prune
Geranium sanguineum
Bloody cranesbill is best pruned in March and July.
| Pruning months | March and July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Bloody cranesbill: when to prune it?
Hardly any pruning is needed. Cut away dead leaves in March; a light trim in July is possible if the plant gets untidy.
Bloody cranesbill: how to prune it?
- In March, cut away the old, dry leaves and dead stems, just above the new shoots.
- If the plant becomes long and untidy after the first flush of flowers, shorten the long stems by a third in July.
- Leave the leaves in autumn: they turn a lovely red and protect the crown in winter.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Bloody cranesbill flowers in May–August, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Do not cut too low in March: the new shoots are already just above the soil.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Armenian cranesbill
- Bigroot cranesbill
- Cambridge cranesbill (Geranium × cantabrigiense)
- Druce’s cranesbill (Geranium × oxonianum)
- Dusky cranesbill
- French cranesbill
Plant profile: Bloody cranesbill · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.