Cranesbill Geranium 'Elke'

Water

For the Geranium 'Elke', commonly known as the Hardy Geranium or Cranesbill, it is essential to ensure the soil is kept evenly moist, especially during its growing season in the spring and summer. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, approximately once a week, but this frequency might need to increase during hot, dry spells. A general rule is to provide about one-inch of water, which is roughly 0.6 gallons, to the plant's base, taking care not to waterlog the soil. During the winter months, reduce watering to every other week, as the plant requires less moisture when it’s not actively growing.

Light

Hardy Geraniums like 'Elke' thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, though in areas with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can help protect the plants from intense heat. An ideal spot is one where morning sunlight is abundant and where there's diffused light or dappled shade during the harshest part of the afternoon.

Temperature

The Hardy Geranium 'Elke' is quite adaptable, but it grows best in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. It can survive a range down to around 30°F, but temperatures below freezing can damage or kill the plant. During hot weather, ensure temperatures do not consistently exceed 85°F, as extreme heat can stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Hardy Geraniums encourages bushier growth and more blooms. They should be pruned in late spring or after the first flowering to remove spent flowers and any leggy or dead stems. Prune again in late summer if necessary to rejuvenate foliage. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for a Geranium 'Elke', commonly known as a cranesbill geranium, should be well-draining and fertile. A mix of one part garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal. For optimal growth, maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0. Regular incorporation of organic matter will help maintain soil fertility.

Repotting

Cranesbill geraniums typically require repotting every two to three years or when they become root-bound. You can check the roots during early spring before the growing season begins. If the roots have filled the pot, it's time to repot into a slightly larger container.

Humidity & Misting

Cranesbill geraniums prefer a moderate level of humidity, typical of most indoor environments. They thrive in humidity levels around 40-60%. Avoid extremely dry air, which can lead to leaf desiccation, and overly moist conditions that can promote fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light, water when topsoil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade, well-draining fertile soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Geranium 'Elke', commonly known as cranesbill or hardy geranium, begins with seed germination, where the seeds require light and well-draining soil, often achieved in a greenhouse or under controlled conditions. Following germination, the seedling goes through vegetative growth, developing a rosette of leaves and establishing a root system. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing distinctive pink flowers with dark veins and a white center, which attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers turn into a fruit capsule resembling a crane's bill, which eventually releases seeds, allowing for the potential spread and growth of new plants. Some cranesbills can also propagate vegetatively through division of the root clump, where a section of the plant including roots is separated and replanted to grow a new specimen. Finally, Geranium 'Elke' is a perennial, which means it undergoes a period of dormancy in winter and re-sprouts from the rootstock the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Propogation: The Geranium 'Elke', commonly known as cranesbill or hardy geranium, is most effectively propagated using stem cuttings, typically undertaken in late spring to early summer. This popular method involves selecting a healthy, non-flowering stem from the parent plant and cutting a 4- to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) segment just below a leaf node, where the concentration of growth hormones is high. The lower leaves are then stripped off, and the cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one leaf node is buried. The soil is kept moist but not waterlogged, and the pot is placed in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Within a few weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and can gradually be acclimatized to direct sunlight. Once the new plants have established a sufficient root system, they can be transplanted to their final location in the garden.