Geranium 'Max Frei'

Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei': A Compact Burst of Magenta Splendor

Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei', a compact and vibrant selection of the beloved Bloody Cranesbill, offers gardeners a burst of magenta splendor that breathes life into any garden space. Celebrated for its low-growing habit and profusion of vivid, cup-shaped flowers, 'Max Frei' is an ideal choice for edging paths, filling the front of borders, or spilling over rock walls and containers. Flourishing in full sun to partial shade, this hardy perennial creates a stunning display from late spring to early summer, with reblooming potential into the fall for extended garden interest.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: 'Max Frei' reaches a modest height of 15-20 cm, making it a perfect ground cover that adds a splash of color without overwhelming the landscape.
• Spread: It forms a dense, mat-like habit, spreading up to 30 cm wide, effectively suppressing weeds and blanketing the garden floor with its lush, deeply lobed foliage.
• Flower Colour: The blooms are a striking magenta, offering a rich contrast against the green foliage, and blooming generously to create a visually arresting effect that captivates and delights.
• Flowering Period: Blooming from late spring through early summer, with the potential for a second flush in the fall, Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' ensures the garden remains vibrant and colorful across multiple seasons.
• Foliage: Its foliage is deeply lobed and semi-evergreen in milder climates, providing textural interest and beauty even when the plant is not in bloom.
• Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving in a variety of lighting conditions and promoting a lavish display of flowers and robust foliage growth.
• Soil Requirements: Enjoys well-drained soil but is notably adaptable to a range of soil types, showcasing its resilience and making it a versatile choice for gardeners.

Uses and Benefits: In addition to its ornamental appeal, 'Max Frei' serves as an excellent ground cover, offering erosion control, weed suppression, and attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby enhancing garden biodiversity and contributing to the health of these vital garden visitors.

Companion Plants: This vibrant cranesbill pairs beautifully with other low-maintenance perennials such as Sedum 'Autumn Joy', Catmint (Nepeta), and Lavender (Lavandula), creating a drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly garden display that emphasizes color and texture.

Care Instructions: Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' is remarkably low maintenance, requiring minimal care to thrive. It is drought-tolerant once established, benefiting from only occasional watering during extended dry periods. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance.

History: Named after the Swiss nurseryman Max Frei, this cultivar has gained popularity for its compact growth habit, vibrant blooms, and ease of care, making it a favored choice among gardeners looking for reliable and colorful ground-cover options.

Final Thoughts: Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' encapsulates the essence of spring and summer in its compact form, offering a burst of magenta splendor that enhances garden landscapes with minimal effort. Whether used to edge pathways, brighten up rockeries, or as a colorful ground cover, 'Max Frei' delivers a blend of vibrant beauty, easy care, and ecological benefits, making it a cherished addition to any garden setting.