wild geranium
Geranium maculatum 'Elizabeth Ann'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 8
Flowers:
Blue-lavender Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Wild geranium, also known as Geranium maculatum 'Elizabeth Ann', should ideally be watered regularly, 2 to 3 times a week when the soil is dry to the touch. It's best to water plants early in the morning so the water can soak and evaporate during the day. Be careful not to overt water - standing water, soggy soil, or foliage with a lot of splashing can induce root rot. Adequate drainage is necessary: use a soil that is equal parts sand, compost, and potting soil in a container with drainage holes. During colder months when growth is slowing down, reduce the amount of water to once a week or less.
sunlight
Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum 'Elizabeth Ann') needs full to partial sunlight for optimal growth. The plant enjoys early morning and late afternoon sunlight but should be kept in the shade during the hottest parts of the day. In northern climates, about 6 hours of direct sunlight during the summer is enough, with more sunlight beneficial during spring and fall. In warmer climates, avoid direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm.
pruning
Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum 'Elizabeth Ann') should be lightly pruned in early spring as buds begin to swell, before new growth starts. Cut back a third of the plant's old stems to encourage bushy new growth and remove any dead stems. The plant will produce flowers throughout the summer, so it is not necessary to cut back too severely. Be sure to avoid pruning stems that are already forming buds and blossoms. After flowering, the plant can be lightly pruned again, but avoid cutting back too much as this will reduce the number of flowers the plant produces in subsequent years.
