A Compact, Carefree Magenta Groundcover for Minnesota Sun Max Frei Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei') is a tidier, more compact selection of the bulletproof bloody cranesbill. It builds a dense, low cushion of finely dissected foliage that disappears under vivid magenta-pink flowers from early summer on, then turns brilliant red in fall. Tough as nails, deer-resistant, and hardy to zone 3, it's an effortless edger and groundcover for gardens in Edina, Eagan, and Plymouth. Max Frei Cranesbill Plant Details Attribute Detail Botanical Name Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' Mature Size 6–10 in. tall, 12–18 in. wide Hardiness Zone 3–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) Light Full sun to part shade Bloom Time Early to midsummer, with scattered rebloom Flower Color Magenta-pink Soil Adaptable — tolerates Minnesota clay-loam and average drainage Winter Hardiness Reliable to -30°F once established Deer Resistance Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits Fall Color Bright red foliage Landscape Uses Compact edging and groundcover: Its dense, low habit makes a clean front-of-border edge or a weed-suppressing carpet on slopes and along walks. Space 14–16 inches apart for full coverage. Pollinator and deer-resistant beds: Bees love the magenta flowers, and deer leave it alone — perfect for browse-heavy western suburbs. Pair with catmint, coreopsis, and dwarf ornamental grasses. Best Time to Plant in Minnesota Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September). It tolerates summer planting with regular water through establishment. How to Plant Max Frei Cranesbill Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot at the same depth, loosening clay soil and mixing in compost. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill, water well, and mulch 2 inches deep, keeping mulch off the crown. Space 14–16 inches apart for groundcover coverage. Watering Max Frei Cranesbill First year: Water every 2–3 days for the first weeks, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes. After year one: Drought-tolerant — supplemental water only during extended dry spells. Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?Yes — hardy to zone 3, it needs no winter protection here. Q: How is it different from New Hampshire Purple?Max Frei is more compact and lower-growing, making it the better choice for tight edges and small spaces. Q: Is it deer-resistant?Yes — hardy geraniums are reliably deer- and rabbit-resistant. Q: Does it tolerate clay?Yes, as long as the site isn't waterlogged. You May Also Like New Hampshire Purple Cranesbill: A taller, more spreading magenta cranesbill. Catmint (Nepeta): A deer-resistant blue partner with the same easy care. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia): Hot summer color to contrast the cool magenta. How Many Max Frei Cranesbill Do I Need? As a low groundcover, space plants about 15 in. apart for a solid carpet. For an edge or border ribbon: Run length Plants needed (15 in. spacing) 5 ft 4 10 ft 8 15 ft 12 20 ft 16 For pockets of color rather than full coverage, plant in groups of 3–5. Max Frei Cranesbill Season-by-Season in Minnesota Spring: A tidy cushion of finely cut green foliage fills in fast and begins setting buds. Summer: Vivid magenta-pink flowers smother the mound from early summer on, with scattered rebloom. Fall: Foliage turns brilliant red, extending the show after bloom fades. Winter: Dies back to the ground; mulch protects the crown and it returns reliably each spring. At a Glance ✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant Plant It With New Hampshire Purple Cranesbill — a taller, more spreading magenta cranesbill for layered drifts. Johnson's Blue Cranesbill — cool blue blooms that play off the hot magenta. Moonshine Yarrow — flat gold flowers and the same easy, drought-tough nature. Little Bluestem — a native grass that adds airy texture behind the low cushion. Is Max Frei Cranesbill Right for Your Yard? It thrives in full sun to part shade in average, well-drained soil, shrugs off deer and dry spells, and is unbeatable as a low edger or weed-suppressing groundcover on slopes and along walks. Not a fit if your site stays wet or waterlogged — soggy ground rots the crown.
