DELFT BLUE CRANESBILL GERANIUM

DELFT BLUE CRANESBILL GERANIUM Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips

## Care Guide

• Recommended Soil:
• Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained garden soil with good moisture retention.
• Cranesbill 'Delft Blue' can adapt to loam, clay, sand, or other suitable garden soils when drainage is adequate.
• Soil may be neutral, acidic, or alkaline as long as the planting area drains well.
• Avoid persistently waterlogged conditions, which can stress the roots and reduce overall performance.
• Sun Exposure:
• Full sun provides excellent conditions for abundant flowering and sturdy growth.
• Part shade is also suitable, especially where plants receive morning sun and some afternoon protection.
• In hotter portions of its growing range, afternoon shade can help moderate heat stress.
• Good air circulation around the foliage supports healthy growth during humid weather.
• Irrigation Needs:
• Provide consistent moisture while newly planted Cranesbill 'Delft Blue' establishes.
• Once established, the plant develops useful drought tolerance and generally has average water needs.
• Water deeply when the surrounding soil becomes noticeably dry rather than relying on frequent shallow irrigation.
• Reduce unnecessary watering during cool or rainy periods when natural moisture is sufficient.
• Feeding & Nutrients:
• Moderately fertile soil is generally sufficient for healthy growth and flowering.
• A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can support the season's growth.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage foliage at the expense of flowers.
• Mulch can help moderate soil moisture and temperature while contributing organic matter as it breaks down.
• Pruning & Maintenance:
• Remove faded flower stems to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage fresh growth.
• Plants can be lightly trimmed during summer if they become untidy or need shaping.
• Allowing healthy foliage to remain into autumn can provide additional seasonal interest.
• Cut old, browned foliage back before spring growth resumes to make room for fresh foliage.

Family: Geraniaceae · Common Name: Cranesbill / Geranium

FREE with every plant purchased:

• The Sooner Guarantee: For details, click here!
• A pre-applied, pre-measured amount of time release fertilizer that keeps your plant well nourished for up to one year.
• Pre-hydrated Hydro-Gels are included in the top of each container to use when planting as they help retain soil moisture, and plants will establish more quickly with less transplant shock. Plants will also survive drought-like conditions and accidental missed waterings better.
• Planting and Care Instruction brochure.
• Catalogs of new and exciting plant brands, such as Garden Debut® and Proven Winners®.

We use and recommend www.dripdepot.com for our irrigation needs, from simple to install micro and drip systems, to commercial grade irrigation parts and supplies.

Interesting Notes About DELFT BLUE CRANESBILL GERANIUM

• Delftware Inspired the Name: The variety's distinctive white-and-blue flowers evoke Delftware, the famous blue-and-white pottery traditionally associated with the Dutch city of Delft. The resemblance is especially fitting because each flower has its own irregular patterning, much like hand-decorated pottery.
• An Upgrade From 'Splish Splash': 'Delft Blue' was introduced as an improved form of 'Splish Splash', selected for stronger growth, increased flower production, and a more compact overall habit. That means the colorful concept was retained while the garden performance received a considerable tune-up.
• Five Petals, Infinite Patterns: Like other meadow cranesbills, the flowers have five rounded petals, but the blue markings can vary from streaks and splashes to fine speckles. That natural variation is part of the charm and gives a planting a less manufactured, more painterly appearance.
• Its Foliage Has a Second Act: The finely divided green leaves aren't simply background scenery. As the growing season winds down, the foliage can develop attractive reddish tones, giving 'Delft Blue' another opportunity to contribute color after its flowers have faded.
• Not the Geranium in Your Windowsill: Despite sharing the common name geranium, Cranesbill belongs to the genus Geranium rather than the tender plants commonly sold as garden or houseplant geraniums in the genus Pelargonium. The two groups are relatives in the same broader family, but they are distinctly different plants.