Geranium sanguineum Pink Pouffe

The Geranium sanguineum 'Pink Pouffe', also known as Bloody Cranesbill or Crane's Beak, has a more compact growth habit than the typical variety, forming a clump of finely divided, semi-evergreen, dark green foliage. It produces its large, light pink, heavily veined flowers in successive waves throughout the summer and into autumn. Over time, it forms a good ground cover, thickening year after year. This plant is tolerant of sun, shade, and drought, making it particularly well-suited for Mediterranean gardens.

The Geranium sanguineum 'Pink Pouffe' belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is a variety derived from Geranium sanguineum, native to Europe and Turkey. It has a relatively slow growth rate, forming a spreading clump that reaches a height of 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10in), sometimes more, and slowly spreads via its rhizomes to form a mat measuring 40 cm (16in) or even more in diameter. Its beautiful light pink flowers, larger than those of the typical variety, bloom from May to July, and again in autumn. The fruits are elongated and resemble a crane's beak (hence the name). The foliage is semi-evergreen, maintaining its dark green color throughout the season. The leaves are deeply lobed, villous, and measure between 5 and 10 cm (2 and 4in) in length. This plant develops from a thick, rhizomatous stump.

In its natural habitat, Geranium sanguineum is often found in rocky soils, but in the garden, it adapts to all types of soil and exposures. 'Pink Pouffe' is valuable and will be showcased at the forefront, in the edge of woodland, where it won't be hindered by competition from shrub roots. It is also welcome in border plantings, where its vibrant flowering can be admired up close. It thrives in sunny rockeries, on wild slopes, or in dry shade. This geranium readily self-seeds (not always true to type) amongst other perennial ground covers such as thyme, Caucasian Rockcress, and woolly wormwood. It also grows well in large pots.