Cranesbill 'Azure Rush' Geranium 'Azure Rush'

Water

The Geranium 'Azure Rush', commonly known as Cranesbill, should be watered deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, approximately every week during active growth periods depending on climate conditions. The amount of water this plant requires can vary, but a general guideline is to provide about 1 gallon of water per plant each watering session to ensure the soil is moistened well. During the winter or dormant phase, reduce watering to every other week, ensuring the soil does not completely dry out, but also making sure the plant is not sitting in waterlogged soil.

Light

Cranesbill thrives in conditions where it can receive full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant would be in a garden bed or container that gets at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day. However, in hotter climates, protection from the intense afternoon sun can help prevent scorching, making dappled shade an ideal location for the afternoon hours.

Temperature

Cranesbill prefers a temperature range between 65°F and 75°F for optimal growth. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 30°F, but should be protected from frost. During the summer months, the plant can survive higher temperatures as long as appropriate watering and shade during peak sun hours are provided.

Pruning

Pruning Cranesbill helps to maintain a compact shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more vibrant flowering. Cut back the foliage by about one-third after the first bloom in midsummer to rejuvenate the plant and encourage a second bloom period. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can be done regularly to keep the plant tidy and direct energy towards producing new flowers.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for a Cranesbill (Geranium 'Azure Rush') should be well-draining with added organic matter such as compost or peat moss. A soil pH of 5.8 to 6.3 is optimal for this plant, ensuring it has the right balance of acidity for nutrient uptake.

Repotting

Cranesbill should be repotted every 2-3 years to replenish its soil and to accommodate root growth. It's best done in the early spring before new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

Cranesbills thrive in average humidity levels but are adaptable to drier conditions; however, avoiding excessively dry air is beneficial for the plant's health and bloom.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and regular watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in part sun, enrich soil, water regularly, protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Geranium 'Azure Rush', a perennial plant, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-draining soil with adequate warmth. The seedling emerges with its first set of true leaves, after which it will go through a period of vegetative growth, developing a robust root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, characterized by the production of its notable blue flowers, which is a critical phase for its reproduction. Following pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, allowing the life cycle to continue. During the fall, as temperatures drop, Geranium 'Azure Rush' may die back, entering a dormancy stage where above-ground growth ceases, while the root systems remain active. With the return of warmer spring temperatures, the plant resumes growth, completes its life cycle, and begins anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Geranium 'Azure Rush', known commonly as cranesbill or hardy geranium, is often propagated by division, a method where the gardener separates an existing plant into several smaller pieces, each with its own root system. The best time to propagate by division is in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in full bloom and energy can be directed towards root and foliage development. To divide a cranesbill, carefully dig up the plant and gently tease apart the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a healthy amount of roots and shoots. These new plants can then be immediately replanted in the garden, spaced at least a foot (30 cm) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Division is an efficient way to create more plants and also rejuvenate older plants that might have a dead or woody center.