Max Frei Geranium

This is a shorter version of the regular sanguineum. And any hybrid of this species is one of my favorite plants. I planted one (the regular G. sanguineum) in our wildflower meadow in Vermont over a decade ago, and very few other flowers have rewarded us so richly. It has had no special care, left to its own for watering and everything else, growing in tough, heavy clay. From the beginning, I was amazed how it simply stayed in bloom. From late spring all the way into fall--that clump with the deep red flowers was always there! Over the years, it has spread nicely, and is more beautiful every season.

This incredible geranium is not a No. American native, but it is closely related and reminds many people of our own Wild Geranium, G. maculata (which by the way has a very short bloom season!). Geranium sanguineum is a beautiful dark green groundcover-like plant with ferny foliage, it is not invasive, it needs absolutely no care, and it just keeps blooming. Who could ask for more from any plant? You can't beat this one for anyplace where you'd like low permanent cover and constant color.