GERANIUM sanguineum Max Frei

Overview and Seasonal Interest

Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' is a compact, low-growing hardy perennial known for its brilliant magenta-pink blooms and attractive, finely cut foliage. As part of the Cranesbill family, it is prized for its long flowering season, neat mounding habit, and tough, drought-resistant nature. 'Max Frei' is ideal for front-of-border planting, rockeries, containers, or as a groundcover in sun or partial shade.

• Common Name: Bloody Cranesbill

• Botanical Name: Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei'

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial

• Family: Geraniaceae

• Height & Spread: 20–25 cm tall × 30–45 cm wide

• Flowers: Magenta to deep pink with veining

• Foliage: Deep green, deeply lobed, turning red in autumn

• Flowering Season: Late spring to mid-summer (May–July), with occasional rebloom

• Hardiness: Fully hardy (H7, down to -20°C and below)

Ideal Growing Conditions

Light Requirements

• Thrives in full sun to partial shade

• Best flowering occurs in sunny locations

• Tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates

Soil Needs

• Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soils

• Tolerates sandy, loamy, or even rocky ground

• Avoid heavy, poorly drained soils which can lead to root rot

• Neutral to slightly alkaline pH is ideal

Watering, Feeding & Care

Watering

• Water well during establishment

• Once established, it is drought-tolerant

• In prolonged dry spells, provide occasional deep watering

Feeding

• Low feeder—usually no additional feeding required

• For flowering boost, apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring

• Avoid rich or overly wet soil, which may encourage leggy growth

Maintenance

• Deadheading encourages repeat blooms and a tidy appearance

• After the first flush of flowering, shear back lightly to rejuvenate foliage and stimulate new flowers

• Remove dead leaves in autumn to keep the plant neat

• No need to divide often, but can be done every 4–5 years if clumps become woody

Seasonal Notes & Winter Care

• Fully winter hardy in most climates

• Foliage may die back or redden in late autumn, adding seasonal colour

• In colder regions, mulch around the base for root protection if desired

• Minimal overwinter care needed—plants reliably return in spring

Landscaping and Companion Use

Geranium 'Max Frei' is highly versatile and integrates beautifully in both formal and informal gardens.

Ideal Settings

• Front of perennial borders

• Rock gardens and gravel beds

• Groundcover under roses, shrubs, or trees

• Container gardens and patio pots

• Cottage gardens and wildlife-friendly plantings

Companion Plants

• Salvia nemorosa, Nepeta ‘Walker's Low’, Coreopsis

• Achillea, Echinacea, Campanula, Heuchera

• Ornamental grasses like Festuca glauca or Stipa tenuissima

Key Selling Points

• Compact size suits small gardens and containers

• Low maintenance and drought tolerant

• Long flowering period with minimal care

• Excellent groundcover that resists weeds

• Attracts bees and pollinators

• Seasonal foliage colour adds multi-season appeal

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.