Himalayan cranesbill 'Derrick Cook' Geranium himalayense 'Derrick Cook'

Water

The Himalayan geranium 'Derrick Cook' should be watered deeply enough to saturate the root zone, with an average of about 1 inch of water per week, taking rainfall into consideration. It's important to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to avoid waterlogging and root rot. During the hot season or in particularly dry climates, you may need to increase watering frequency, but always check the soil moisture before watering. Reduce the amount of water in colder months when the plant is not actively growing. Overwatering can be as harmful as under-watering, so it's crucial to maintain a balance.

Light

The Himalayan geranium 'Derrick Cook' thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It benefits from morning sunlight and some afternoon shade in hot climates to protect it from harsh, direct sunlight during the heat of the day. A spot that receives around 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily is ideal for this plant, ensuring it gets adequate light without getting scorched in summer.

Temperature

The Himalayan geranium 'Derrick Cook' can survive in a temperature range from approximately 60°F to 75°F. While it can withstand temperatures down to about 0°F, it's happiest in temperatures that are moderate. The ideal growing conditions for this plant are cool to mild, temperate climates where extreme heat or cold is uncommon.

Pruning

Pruning the Himalayan geranium 'Derrick Cook' is essential for maintaining a compact growth habit and encouraging a second flush of flowers. After the first bloom in late spring or early summer, cut back the spent flowers and any leggy growth by about half. This plant can be pruned again in late fall or early winter to tidy up the foliage and prepare it for the next growing season. The best time to prune is immediately after a flowering cycle has completed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Himalayan Geranium 'Derrick Cook' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix containing loam, peat, and coarse sand works well, ensuring good aeration and moisture retention. The optimal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.2.

Repotting

Himalayan Geranium 'Derrick Cook' generally does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years. Repotting should be considered when the plant outgrows its container or when the soil becomes too compacted.

Humidity & Misting

Himalayan Geranium 'Derrick Cook' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity. Average room humidity is typically sufficient for this plant; however, it thrives in outdoor conditions where the humidity is naturally regulated.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

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

• Outdoor

  Needs partial shade, rich soil, watering when soil is dry.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Himalayan Cranesbill 'Derrick Cook' starts with seed germination, where seeds require a period of cold stratification to promote sprouting. Following germination, seedlings grow into juvenile plants, developing a rosette of leaves and establishing a root system. As it reaches maturity, the plant produces lush foliage and long-lasting, large blue flowers with prominent veining during late spring and summer. After the flowering period, pollinated flowers develop into fruit capsules, containing seeds that are dispersed for propagation. The plant experiences a period of dormancy in the winter, where above-ground parts may die back, but the rootstock remains alive. In the subsequent growing season, the plant will regrow from the rootstock, repeating its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Geranium himalayense 'Derrick Cook', commonly known as Himalayan geranium or cranesbill, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method. The ideal time to propagate by division is in early spring or early fall. To do this, you gently dig up an established clump and carefully separate it into smaller sections, each with a piece of the root system attached. It's important to replant the divisions promptly, keeping them at the same soil depth they were originally growing at. Make sure each new plant has enough room to grow by spacing the divisions approximately 12 to 18 inches apart, which translates to about 30 to 45 centimeters. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method of propagation allows the gardener to quickly increase their stock of Himalayan geraniums, as the plant tends to recover and grow back vigorously.