Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis · Papaveraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant bloodroot: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Sanguinaria canadensis
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Type
- Rhizomatous herbaceous perennial
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- North America (deciduous forests)
Care
Light
Plant bloodroot in partial shade or dappled shade, beneath deciduous trees. This plant appreciates gentle light and protection from direct afternoon rays. It adapts well to woodland areas and forest zones in your garden.
Soil
Prefer rich, humus-laden soil that drains well, slightly acidic to neutral. Incorporate compost or leaf mold at planting time to recreate a forest environment. Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils.
Watering
Keep the soil moist during the spring growing season, without waterlogging it. Once established, the plant tolerates water fluctuations well thanks to its rhizomatous system. Reduce watering after flowering and foliage die-back.
Fertilizer
An annual application of compost or organic matter in autumn is usually sufficient. Avoid rich chemical fertilizers that would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
No strict pruning is necessary. Let the foliage yellow and disappear naturally after flowering. Simply remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain clarity.
Diseases and pests
Generally very robust and seldom affected by pests. Watch for rhizome rot if there is persistent excess moisture. Good air circulation and adequate drainage prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Bloodroot gets its name from the red-orange latex that its rhizomes secrete when cut. North American Indigenous peoples used this pigmented latex as a traditional dye. This remarkable property also inspired its scientific name Sanguinaria, which literally means "that bleeds" in Latin.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Climbing corydalisCeratocapnos claviculata
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.