Meadow Cranesbill Geranium pratense var. pratense f. albiflorum 'Silver Queen'

Water

The Meadow Crane's-bill 'Silver Queen' should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry. Typically, this plant likes to be kept in evenly moist soil, so it may need watering approximately once every week, depending on climate conditions and the size of the plant and pot. Using a watering can or hose with a gentle spray, apply water directly to the base of the plant until the soil is saturated and excess water begins to drain from the bottom of the container or established beds. On average, this might mean you would be using around 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant for each watering session, although potted plants typically require less water than those in the ground, due to their confined space.

Light

Meadow Crane's-bill 'Silver Queen' thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It performs best when it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, so placing it in a spot where it can enjoy morning sun with some afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day, would be ideal. Avoid deep shade locations as this may hinder blooming and weaken the plant.

Temperature

Meadow Crane's-bill 'Silver Queen' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it performs best between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around -20°F, and while hot temperatures above 85°F are tolerated, it may require additional shade and water to maintain its health. The ideal growing conditions would find nighttime temperatures dropping slightly to help enhance flower development and overall plant vigor.

Pruning

Meadow Crane's-bill 'Silver Queen' benefits from pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. After the first flush of flowers, cut back the plant by about half to rejuvenate it and encourage a second bloom. The best time for a more substantial pruning would be after the plant has finished flowering, usually by late summer or early fall.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Meadow Cranesbill 'Silver Queen' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, requiring a pH range of 5.8 to 6.2. A good mix would be one part garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure adequate drainage.

Repotting

Meadow Cranesbill 'Silver Queen' should be repotted every 2-3 years or once it outgrows its current container, to provide fresh nutrients and space for growing roots.

Humidity & Misting

Meadow Cranesbill 'Silver Queen' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity, avoiding overly dry or highly humid environments that could promote disease.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light, and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade to full sun, in moist, well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Geranium pratense var. pratense f. albiflorum 'Silver Queen', also known as 'Silver Queen' meadow cranesbill, begins its life as a seed that germinates in spring when soil temperatures reach a suitable level. The seedling develops into a vegetative plant with lobed leaves and erect stems, growing through the spring and becoming a mature plant by early summer. This perennial herbaceous plant flowers in early summer, producing distinctive white blooms with light veining and a flush of pale lavender which attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into beaked fruits which, when ripe, explosively dehisce to scatter seeds. Throughout the growing season, 'Silver Queen' meadow cranesbill builds energy reserves in its root system, enabling it to survive winter dormancy. With the return of warm weather, the plant re-emerges from its roots, completing its life cycle and beginning anew the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• Geranium pratense var. pratense f. albiflorum 'Silver Queen', commonly known as Meadow Cranesbill 'Silver Queen', is best propagated by division. This method is typically undertaken in early spring or fall, outside of the plant's flowering season to ensure the best chance of success. To propagate by division, the plant should be carefully lifted from the ground and the root ball should be gently teased apart to separate individual crowns. Each crown should have a portion of the root system attached. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into well-prepared soil, ensuring they are set at the same depth they were growing originally. The divisions should be watered thoroughly after planting to help establish them in their new location. This popular method harnesses the plant's natural growth habit and results in quick establishment of new individuals that are genetically identical to the parent plant.