Perennials

Perennial Geranium 'Max Frei'

Bloody Crane's-bill

Perennial geranium 'Max Frei': 20 cm high and 30 cm spread, sun to partial shade. Pink flowers in June-September. Zone 3; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.

Format

Share
Exposure
Partial shade
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 3

Discover the plant

Common namePerennial Geranium 'Max Frei'
FamilyGeraniaceae
GenusGeranium
Speciessanguineous
CultivarMax Frei
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameBloody Crane's-bill

Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' adds a plant with pink-toned flowers to the flowerbed. Its foliage features shades of green, which can be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is June-September. Its size of 20 cm by 30 cm makes it suitable for ground cover and border planting, without encroaching on neighboring plants.

To plant Geranium 'Max Frei', look for the following exposure: sun to partial shade and suitable soil (drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during establishment). Support the rooting of Geranium 'Max Frei' with deep watering, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil. Maintain a spacing of 30 cm between plants; this helps preserve their shape and allows access for care. The indicated hardiness zone is zone 3, to be considered according to your garden's conditions.

Throughout the seasons, Geranium 'Max Frei' benefits from timely care: light pruning is possible if the clump loosens after flowering, while preserving healthy basal shoots. Perennial geraniums are distinct from bedding pelargoniums; especially adapt watering to the needs of its species. For companion planting, consider daylilies, campanulas, and coneflowers in varieties with similar needs. The flowering period (June-September) and spread of 30 cm will serve as guides for arranging other plants around this one.

Géranium vivace ‘Max Frei’ — Geranium sanguineum

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 30 cm
Best planting time Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing time for the roots to establish themselves before the severe cold.
Propagation Division or separation of offsets by group, preferably when not in bloom. Seedlings do not necessarily reproduce the characteristics of a named cultivar.
Growing method
Perennial Geranium 'Max Frei': In spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing roots time to establish before deep cold. Support root establishment of Perennial Geranium 'Max Frei' with deep watering, then check soil moisture before rewatering. Adjust frequency based on rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil. Perennial geraniums differ from container pelargoniums; adapt watering especially to the needs of its species.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Care level

Routine maintenance

Watering

Accompany the establishment of Geranium 'Max Frei' with deep watering, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil.

Soil type

Drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during installation

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Moderate humidity; water according to the actual state of the root ball

Seasonal care

Perennial geranium 'Max Frei': a light reshaping is possible if the clump loosens after flowering, by keeping the healthy basal shoots. During its flowering period (June-September), also monitor damaged stems and neighboring plants that might obscure the clump.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

A stable container with drainage holes, noticeably wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and the adult development.
To try the 'Max Frei' perennial geranium in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suited to the root ball and its future size (30 cm). Water should drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
Géranium vivace ‘Max Frei’ — Geranium sanguineum

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

8 inches (20.5 cm)

Width / spread

12 inches (30.5 cm)

Flower color

Pink

Foliage color

Green

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Creeping or spreading

Fragrance

Undocumented for this selection

Bloom period

June-September
Géranium vivace ‘Max Frei’ — Geranium sanguineum

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Consider these pairings for Hardy Geranium 'Max Frei': daylilies, campanulas, echinaceas. Choose varieties that tolerate sun to partial shade and comparable moisture; allow each clump its adult space.

Plants to avoid

Around Geranium ‘Max Frei’, avoid especially neighbors that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility in terms of light, water, and size takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Perennial Geranium ‘Max Frei’?
Provide sun to partial shade and suitable soil (drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during installation). Perennial geraniums are different from bedding pelargoniums; above all, adapt watering to the needs of their species.
Where should I plant Geranium 'Max Frei'?
Expect a height of around 20 cm and a width of 30 cm at maturity. Approximately 30 cm between centers, to be adjusted according to the actual development of the clump. These dimensions are suitable for groundcover and border use.
When does Geranium 'Max Frei' bloom?
The period indicated is June-September. The flower color is pink. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, season, and plant establishment.
How to water and care for Geranium 'Max Frei'?
Support the establishment of perennial Geranium 'Max Frei' with deep watering, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil. A light pruning is possible if the clump becomes leggy after flowering, keeping the healthy basal shoots.
Can Geranium ‘Max Frei’ be grown in a pot?
To try out ‘Max Frei’ perennial geranium in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (30 cm). Water must drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan for winter protection for the container depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.