Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Geranium sanguineum ‘Max Frei’
Max Frei Cranesbill
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Height
- 6 to 12 inches
- Width
- 12 to 18 inches
- Flower color
- Bright magenta-pink
- Foliage color
- Deep green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; easy to care for
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Bees and butterflies
About this plant
Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' is a compact, mounding perennial known for its vibrant magenta-pink flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. The cup-shaped, five-petaled flowers stand out against finely divided, dark green foliage that often takes on reddish hues in the fall. This long-blooming variety offers a bright, cheery display that adds color and texture to garden borders or rock gardens.
'Max Frei' is cherished for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various garden settings. Its tidy, low-growing form makes it perfect for edging, ground cover, or mixed perennial plantings, where its vivid blooms and seasonal foliage create continuous interest throughout the growing season.
Works well in
Cottage Gardens · Borders · Pathways & Walkways · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Candytufts · Russian sage · Peonies · Blue fescues · Stonecrops · Blue oat grass
Design tip
Repeat this compact perennial along sunny pathways or border edges to create ribbons of color that unify the planting design. Combine with upright flowers and contrasting foliage textures to add depth while preserving an open, relaxed appearance throughout the growing season.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
