Hardy Cranesbill Geranium × monacense 'Claudine Dupont'

Water

For Hardy Cranesbill, which is the common name for Geranium × monacense 'Claudine Dupont', you should water the plant deeply to promote strong root development. Generally, water once a week with approximately one gallon per square yard around the plant, but adjust this frequency according to weather conditions and soil type. During hot, dry spells, increase the watering frequency to prevent the soil from completely drying out. In contrast, reduce watering in cool, rainy periods to avoid waterlogging. Always aim to maintain moist but not soggy soil, avoiding overhead watering to minimize leaf wetness and potential diseases.

Light

Hardy Cranesbill prefers a location with full sun to partial shade. It benefits from at least four to six hours of sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate dappled shade, especially in regions with very intense midday sun. The best spot for planting is one where morning sunlight is abundant and where it can be protected from the harsh afternoon sun, if necessary.

Temperature

Hardy Cranesbill can survive in a wide range of temperatures but thrives best when daytime temperatures are between 65°F to 75°F. It can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F but is at risk when the temperature drops below this. During extreme cold or frost, it is advisable to provide additional mulch or protection.

Pruning

Pruning Hardy Cranesbill involves deadheading spent flowers and removing dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and additional flowering. Prune back the entire plant after the first flush of blooms has finished, usually in midsummer, to rejuvenate the plant and prompt a second bloom period. In late autumn or early spring, cut back the entire plant to ground level to maintain a tidy appearance and promote healthy, vigorous growth in the coming season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The hardy geranium, also known as cranesbill, prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range from 5.8 to 6.3. A good soil mix for 'Claudine Dupont' would be equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration.

Repotting

Hardy geraniums like 'Claudine Dupont' generally need repotting every 3 to 4 years. The best time to repot is in spring before new growth begins. If the plant shows signs of being root-bound or the soil is exhausted, repotting can be done sooner.

Humidity & Misting

Hardy geraniums, including 'Claudine Dupont', are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels. They thrive best in average household humidity. Excessive humidity isn't necessary, but ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and water when dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial sun, moist fertile soil, and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Geranium × monacense 'Claudine Dupont', also known as Hardy Geranium, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring when the conditions are moist and warm. The seedling quickly establishes a small rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the plant matures, it forms a robust root system and elongates its stem, with foliage becoming denser and developing its characteristic round-lobed leaves. During late spring to early summer, the Hardy Geranium starts blooming, showcasing its distinctive pink to purplish flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit capsules that propel seeds away from the parent plant, ensuring dispersal. Once the life cycle is complete, typically in autumn, the plant dies back to the ground, remaining dormant over winter, ready to regrow from its rootstock with the arrival of the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• Geranium × monacense 'Claudine Dupont', commonly known as hardy geranium or cranesbill, is generally propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. Division should be done in early spring or fall, when the plant is not in active growth. To divide the plant, dig up the entire clump and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with a good piece of root and a few shoots. Trim any damaged roots or foliage, and replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing. Water them well to help establish the new plants. This straightforward process allows gardeners to quickly multiply their hardy geraniums and refresh older, woody clumps, encouraging robust new growth and flowering.