How to Grow Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
Sanguinaria canadensis, Bloodroot, is a choice North American woodland ephemeral. Pure white cup-shaped flowers emerge in early spring before or alongside the distinctive lobed blue-grey leaves. The whole plant goes dormant by midsummer. Plant in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in shade or part shade. Named for the vivid red-orange sap in its roots and stems. The double form 'Flore Pleno' is particularly long-lasting in flower.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Top-dress with leaf mould or well-rotted compost in autumn. No additional feeding required.
Watch For
- Vine weevil grubs in the rhizomes
- Slugs on emerging flowers and leaves
Companions
Erythronium, Trillium, Hepatica, Epimedium
Care Requirements
Light
Shade to part shade; dappled light ideal
Thrives under deciduous trees where it receives bright but indirect light in spring. Tolerates deeper shade but flowers less freely.
Watering
Moist but well-drained; do not waterlog
Consistent moisture during the brief growing season is important. Ensure good drainage — waterlogged soil rots the rhizomes. Dormant plants need no watering.
Fertilizing
Autumn leaf mould top-dressing only
No feeding required. An annual top-dressing of leaf mould in autumn mimics the natural woodland floor and maintains soil structure.
Pruning
None needed; allow natural die-back
Do not cut back foliage until it has completely yellowed. The leaves fuel the rhizome for next year's flowers.
Growing Tips
Mark the planting position
Bloodroot disappears completely by midsummer. Mark the spot clearly so you do not accidentally disturb dormant rhizomes when planting something nearby.
Do not disturb when dormant
The rhizomes are fragile when dormant. Avoid digging in the area between midsummer and early spring.
Humus-rich moist shade
Best results in cool, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil under deciduous trees. Avoid waterlogging which rots the rhizomes.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 20 cm |
| Row spacing | 25 cm |
| Mature height | 20 cm |
| Mature spread | 20 cm |
Choice woodland ephemeral with pure white cup-shaped flowers in early spring. Lobed blue-grey leaves emerge after flowers. Goes fully dormant by summer. Plant in drifts for best effect.
