Troubleshooting
Geranium sanguineum problems — and how to fix them
Geranium sanguineum (Geranium sanguineum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Loose, floppy growth
Caused by shade or over-rich soil. Grow in full sun on lean, well-drained ground and avoid feeding to keep the mound dense and self-supporting.
Crown rot in wet ground
Waterlogged or heavy clay soil rots the rootstock over winter. Improve drainage with grit, plant slightly proud, and never let it sit wet.
Mid-summer tiredness
Flowering can pause and foliage tire after the main flush. Shear lightly after the first bloom to encourage fresh leaves and a second, lighter flowering.
Self-seeding
Species plants set seed and can pop up around the garden. Trim spent flowers if you want to limit volunteers, or leave them for relaxed ground cover.
Prevent geranium sanguineum problems before they start
Most geranium sanguineum issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Geranium sanguineum varieties: common problems
Looking for geranium sanguineum in general rather than its problems? Read the full geranium sanguineum care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Geranium sanguineum problems — FAQ
Why is my geranium sanguineum loose, floppy growth?
Caused by shade or over-rich soil. Grow in full sun on lean, well-drained ground and avoid feeding to keep the mound dense and self-supporting.
Why is my geranium sanguineum crown rot in wet ground?
Waterlogged or heavy clay soil rots the rootstock over winter. Improve drainage with grit, plant slightly proud, and never let it sit wet.
Why is my geranium sanguineum mid-summer tiredness?
Flowering can pause and foliage tire after the main flush. Shear lightly after the first bloom to encourage fresh leaves and a second, lighter flowering.
Why is my geranium sanguineum self-seeding?
Species plants set seed and can pop up around the garden. Trim spent flowers if you want to limit volunteers, or leave them for relaxed ground cover.