Geranium Geranium 'Mavis Simpson'

Water

Hardy geraniums, like the 'Mavis Simpson', should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage a strong root system. Typically, watering once a week with approximately 1 inch of water should suffice if there has been no significant rainfall. During the hotter and drier summer months, you may need to increase watering to twice a week. Always allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. It's best to water early in the morning or in the evening to reduce evaporation.

Light

Geranium 'Mavis Simpson' prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It thrives best when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, so placing it in an area that's exposed to the morning sun with some afternoon shade would be ideal. However, it can still perform well with a little more shade, particularly in hotter climates where some protection from the intense afternoon sun can be beneficial.

Temperature

Hardy geraniums like 'Mavis Simpson' can tolerate a range of temperatures but grow ideally in zones that experience temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While they can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to provide some protection or mulching in the winter in colder zones. During extreme summer temperatures over 85 degrees, some afternoon shade may help protect the plant.

Pruning

Pruning 'Mavis Simpson' geranium should be done to remove spent flower stems and encourage bushier growth and more blooms. It is best to prune right after the first flowering in late spring or early summer. Periodic deadheading of the faded flowers can continue throughout the summer months to keep the plant looking tidy and to promote continuous blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Geranium 'Mavis Simpson', commonly known as cranesbill, is well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, with a mix of two parts peat or compost, one part garden soil, and one part coarse sand or perlite. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.8 to 7.2 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Cranesbills like Geranium 'Mavis Simpson' should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to refresh the soil and allow for continued growth. Repot in spring or early summer before they begin their active growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Cranesbill, or Geranium 'Mavis Simpson', performs well in average room humidity. There is no need for high humidity levels; regular ambient humidity found in most homes is sufficient for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Needs full sun to part shade in well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Geranium 'Mavis Simpson' begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring when soil temperatures warm up. The seedling emerges and grows into a young plant with a rosette of leaves at ground level. Over the following weeks, the plant develops a strong root system and foliage. During late spring to summer, it enters the flowering stage, producing pink flowers that attract pollinators and lead to seed formation. Once flowering is complete, seeds are dispersed, and the plant may undergo a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, where the above-ground parts die back in winter. In spring, the cycle resumes as the plant regrows from its rootstock or from newly germinated seeds.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Geranium 'Mavis Simpson', a popular perennial, is commonly propagated through stem cuttings. This method can be undertaken during late spring or early summer to capture the plant's vigorous growth for successful rooting. A healthy non-flowering stem around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long is selected and cut just below a leaf node. Leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed to prevent excess moisture loss and potential rot. The cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a mix of potting soil and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. The cutting should be kept in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight and maintained with consistent moisture until the roots establish, usually within a few weeks, at which point it can be transplanted.