Russell Prichard geranium Geranium × riversleaianum 'Russell Prichard'

Water

For the Crane's-bill geranium, it's important to water it deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. During the growing season, roughly one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering, should suffice. It's best to water this plant in the morning to allow any wet foliage to dry throughout the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. In hotter, drier periods, you may need to water twice a week; however, reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy. One gallon of water every week should keep it healthy during active growth, but always check the topsoil moisture before adding more water.

Light

The Crane's-bill geranium thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, it should be planted in a spot where it receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, some afternoon shade can be beneficial, especially in hotter climates to prevent scorching. If you have an east or west-facing garden, those spots are usually excellent for providing the light requirements for this geranium.

Temperature

Crane's-bill geraniums prefer moderate temperature conditions and perform best in a range that is typically between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night, and maximum temperatures up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. The plant can survive short periods outside these ranges but long exposure to temperatures below or above could be detrimental.

Pruning

Pruning Crane's-bill geranium helps to promote bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming too leggy. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage a second flush of flowers. After the first heavy bloom in late spring or early summer, cutting the plant back by a third can help rejuvenate it and lead to additional flowering. Pruning is typically done once midsummer after initial blooming has subsided.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Cranesbill thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 5.8 to 7.2. A good mix would be equal parts of loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration for the roots. Incorporate organic material such as compost to enrich the soil and support healthy growth.

Repotting

Cranesbills typically need repotting every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the spring just before the active growth season, moving to a slightly larger pot if the plant has outgrown its current one.

Humidity & Misting

Cranesbills prefer moderate humidity and can adapt to the average humidity found in most homes. It is best to avoid extremely dry air, which might necessitate periodic misting or the use of a humidity tray, but overall, the plant is tolerant of a range of humidity conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright, indirect light with moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in part shade to full sun, in well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Russell Prichard, a perennial geranium hybrid, initiates its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination, grows into a young seedling with its first true leaves. With appropriate water, light, and soil conditions, it enters a vigorous vegetative stage, developing a bushy growth habit and larger, lobed leaves characteristic of geraniums. It reaches maturity within a few months and produces vivid magenta to purple flowers throughout the summer, attracting pollinators and fulfilling its reproductive stage. After pollination, seeds develop, which disperse naturally or can be collected for propagation. As autumn approaches, the plant begins to die back, entering a period of dormancy during cooler winter months. Depending on the climate, it may retain some foliage in mild winters or die back completely to the ground, only to regrow from overwintering rootstock with the onset of spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Geranium × riversleaianum 'Russell Prichard', commonly known as cranesbill geranium, is through cuttings. This usually takes place in late spring or early summer. To propagate, a gardener would take a healthy cutting that is about 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring there are at least three sets of leaves. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm but indirect light until roots have developed, typically within a few weeks. Once established with a robust root system, the plant can then be transplanted outdoors.