Geranium sanguineum 'Hannelore'

Geranium sanguineum 'Hannelore' is a hardy geranium, set apart by its low-growing habit and its bright pink flowers etched with dark purple veins.

Fast growing, 'Hannelore' forms a clump of dense, finely divided, fuzzy foliage that turns red in autumn. It is a medium green and is semi-evergreen.

Over time, the foliage will become more and more dense, creating an incredible ground cover.

The flowers are relatively large, dark pink with deep rose veins, and bloom from May to July, then again in autumn.

The fruits have an elongated beak-like structure, reminiscent of a crane's beak (hence its name).

GARDENING TIPS: Geranium sanguineum 'Hannelore'

This plant thrives in the sun, the shade, in periods of drought, in poor soil and rocks - making it particularly well-suited to southern gardens.

A Note on the Difference between Geraniums and Pelargoniums

These are confused all the time. What you know to be Geraniums are probably Pelargoniums. And it has been a fascinating journey out of the darkness for me!

The physical distinction can be hard to spot as the details are in the number of petals.

Geraniums

• Flowers have five similar petals
• Considered perennials that come back year after year.
• Bloom, Dormancy, Bloom, Dormancy > and Repeat.
• To ease confusion, they are sometimes called 'Hardy Geraniums'.

Pelargonium

• Flowers have two upper petals which are different from the three lower petals
• Annuals (can be semi hardy in some climates but in general are sold for one seasons use)
• Bloom, The End.
• To ease confusion, they are sometimes called 'Tender Geraniums'.