Meadow Crane's-Bill 'Hocus Pocus' Geranium pratense 'Hocus Pocus'

Water

The Meadow Cranesbill, commonly known as Geranium pratense 'Hocus Pocus', should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This usually means watering approximately once a week, but frequency can vary depending on temperature and humidity. Aim to apply about 1 gallon of water per plant per watering session, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage strong root growth. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently. Be careful to avoid waterlogging as this can lead to root rot.

Light

Meadow Cranesbill thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would provide morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid deep shade as it can reduce flowering and lead to leggy plants. Ample sunlight ensures healthy growth and abundant blossoms.

Temperature

Meadow Cranesbill can endure a wide range of temperatures but performs best when daytime temperatures are between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure optimal growth and flowering, protect the plant from extreme heat by providing afternoon shade.

Pruning

To promote bushier growth and more blooms, Meadow Cranesbill should be pruned in late winter or early spring. During the growing season, deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. After the first flush of flowers diminishes, cut back the entire plant by about half to rejuvenate and encourage a second bloom.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Meadow Cranesbill thrives in moist, well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter. A pH between 5.8 and 6.5 is ideal for its growth. Blend equal parts of garden soil, compost, and perlite to ensure proper drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Meadow Cranesbill typically does not require frequent repotting. Repot every 3 to 4 years in the spring to refresh the soil and provide room for growth, or when the plant outgrows its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Meadow Cranesbill prefers average to slightly above average humidity levels. It does not have specific humidity requirements but benefits from the natural humidity found outdoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light and good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, moist soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Geranium pratense 'Hocus Pocus', commonly known as Meadow Cranesbill or 'Hocus Pocus', begins its life as a seed that germinates in the spring when soil temperatures warm up. Seedlings emerge and develop into a rosette of basal leaves; during this vegetative stage, the plant focuses on root and foliage growth. In the late spring to early summer, 'Hocus Pocus' transitions to the flowering stage, producing striking deep violet-blue flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into beaked seed capsules which split open to disperse seeds, completing the reproductive phase. Through summer and into fall, the plant continues to grow vegetatively while seeds are dispersing, ensuring new plants for the following year. Finally, in the winter, the above-ground part of the plant dies back, with the root system surviving underground to begin the cycle again in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Geranium pratense 'Hocus Pocus', commonly known as meadow cranesbill, is most commonly multiplied through division. This method involves separating the plant's clumps, typically in either spring or autumn when the plant is not in full bloom to avoid stressing the plant during its peak growth period. The process involves carefully lifting the plant from the soil, using a sharp knife or a spade to cut the clump into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots. These sections are then replanted into prepared soil, spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart (approximately 30 to 61 centimeters), and watered thoroughly to encourage root development. This technique allows for quick establishment and flowering, generally within the next growing season.