Sanguinaria canadensis 'Venus'

Pink-flowered Bloodroot

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Item #: 5576

Zones: 4a to 8b

Dormancy: Winter, Summer, Fall

Height: 8" tall

Culture: Light Shade to Shade

Origin: United States

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


Sanguinaria canadensis 'Venus' has been roaming around the horticultural world for several years under the invalid name 'Roseum'. Our plants trace back to our friend Hans Hansen, who remembers getting them from the now-defunct Collectors Nursery, although they don't appear on their old websites. Regardless, now with a valid name, thanks to Joe Pye Weed Gardens, we are pleased to share this special form of our native woodland-loving bloodroot, whose early spring flowers emerge pink in bud, and open with pink exterior petals and a white interior. Expect an 8" tall x 10" wide clump of lobed green leaves, which after flowering goes dormant for the summer months.

Maintenance:

Sanguinaria canadensis requires almost no maintenance. It seems to quietly disappear unnoticed when it goes dormant in late summer. It does benefit from division of clumps when they get crowded after many years. They also tolerate being divided. This can be done most anytime, though it would be best, if possible, to avoid the time when the leaves are developing. Once fully matured, the leaves will not be affected by division. The subterranean rhizomes are finger thick and bright red inside. Divide into separate plants and replant about 6" apart. Long rhizomes can be cut into shorter sections each several inches long. As rhizomes are underground stems, cutting them into shorter pieces produces the same results as pinching back an above ground stem:The dormant lateral buds will now grow with the removal of the terminal bud. Do not expect new growth from these rhizome cuttings until the following spring.

Growing Conditions:

Sanguinaria canadensis 'Venus' is a spring ephemeral, coming into growth and bloom early in the year when it can make use of the sunlight before the canopy trees leaf out. It will succeed in bright shade or part day sun areas. It can also be grown in sunny locations where it will grow more strongly. Avoid a poorly drained soil. It will tolerate a dry site but perform more satisfactorily in moist well drained soil.

Garden Value:

Bloodroot blooms very early in the year, well ahead of the spring peak, so its flowers are most welcome. The double forms are especially beautiful. Pink-flowered Bloodroot foliage is of an interesting form, somewhat like that of a fig, Ficus carica, so it can be of value in the garden especially when contrasted with different forms and texture. The foliage is especially charming at the time of bloom as a single leaf will wrap around each flower stalk like a shawl thrown over one's shoulder.