The Tales & The Botany: Geranium sanguineum Elsbeth

The genus name Geranium comes from the Greek geranos, meaning “crane,” referring to the fruit’s crane-like beak.

The cultivar likely came from a selection or breeding (or possibly a chance discovery) – mayeb from Switzerland. Many clues and research papers point to a name ‘Simon’, suggesting that Hans Simon may be at the center of this story.

But this still needs to be confirmed!

🌸 Floral Morphology:

The flowers of Geranium sanguineum Elsbeth are solitary or in loose clusters, 2–4 cm across, with five softly colored petals, ranging from pale pink to lavender with subtle veining.

Sepals are persistent, and the stamens are arranged around a single pistil, forming the signature crane-beak fruit after flowering.

Leaves are palmately lobed, finely cut, and medium green, often providing a striking contrast with the bright magenta flowers.

When handled, the foliage emits a mild herbal scent, adding tactile and aromatic interest to the garden.

🌱 Reproductive Biology

Geranium sanguineum Elsbeth is hermaphroditic, capable of both self-pollination and cross-pollination, though insects such as bees and hoverflies are the primary pollinators.

Flowers bloom from late spring into early summer, and deadheading can extend the flowering period slightly.

Fruits are schizocarps that split into five segments, each containing a seed adapted for ballistic dispersal.

The combination of bright flowers and attractive foliage makes Geranium sanguineum Elsbeth ecologically valuable, supporting pollinators and adding color and structure to perennial plantings.

🌍 Écologie & Adaptations

Geranium sanguineum Elsbeth thrives in temperate and Mediterranean-style gardens, particularly in:

• • Borders and rockeries
  • Pollinator-friendly beds
  • Sunny, well-drained sites

Key adaptations include:

• • 💦 High drought tolerance once established
  • ☀️ Sun-loving
  • 👍 Low-maintenance
  • 🌸 Long flowering period
  • 💪 Self-supporting, compact habit

Other Names:

Origin:

Europe, Turkey