The Mavis Simpson Geranium, a charming ornamental perennial, is often called a cranesbill. This plant is valued for its attractive foliage and profusion of soft, appealing flowers, making it a favored choice for gardeners seeking a resilient and aesthetically pleasing addition.
Characteristics of Mavis Simpson Geranium
Geranium ‘Mavis Simpson’ has distinctive grey-green leaves that are deeply lobed and downy, often with a silvery tint. These semi-evergreen leaves form a lush, spreading ground cover. The plant produces numerous shell-pink or rose-pink flowers, each with five rounded petals about 1.5 inches wide. These blossoms often feature subtle darker purple or fine darker veins and pale to white centers.
This hardy geranium has a long blooming season, flowering profusely from late spring through late autumn, typically May to November. Its growth habit is spreading and trailing, forming a low mound or mat. The plant usually reaches 0.75 to 1 foot tall and spreads 2 to 4 feet wide, making it an effective groundcover.
Caring for Mavis Simpson Geranium
Light Requirements
Mavis Simpson Geranium thrives in full sun to partial shade. In milder summer regions, full sun is suitable for optimal growth and flowering. However, in hot climates, morning sun with afternoon shade can prevent stress. While it tolerates more shade, this may result in a reduced density of blooms.
Watering
This geranium prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil but demonstrates notable drought tolerance once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between sessions. During active growth, especially in summer, ensure sufficient water. Avoid wetting foliage directly, and reduce winter watering to prevent root rot.
Soil and Potting
Mavis Simpson Geranium grows well in average, well-drained soil. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, clay, and chalky compositions, provided they offer good drainage. The plant prefers moderately fertile soil and tolerates a wide pH range, from acidic to alkaline or neutral. This geranium does not perform well in cold, waterlogged winter soil conditions. When planting, space individual plants approximately 30-45 cm apart to ensure adequate air circulation.
Fertilization
The Mavis Simpson Geranium is not particularly demanding regarding fertilization. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is generally sufficient to support healthy growth and encourage abundant flowering.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular maintenance promotes continuous blooming and keeps Mavis Simpson Geranium looking its best. Removing faded flowers (deadheading) encourages more blossoms throughout the season. Trimming old leaves and flowered stems stimulates fresh foliage and new blooms.
Cutting back leggy growth maintains a tidy, compact appearance. A more substantial trim can be performed in late autumn or early spring to remove dead or damaged stems and reshape the plant. In colder climates, applying organic mulch around the plant’s base in winter provides root protection. Dividing large, established clumps every few years in spring rejuvenates the plant and allows for propagation.
Common Problems and Solutions
Mavis Simpson Geranium is generally resilient and not highly susceptible to serious pest or disease issues. Pests like vine weevils, capsid bugs, or sawflies may occasionally affect the plant.
Diseases include powdery mildew and downy mildew. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while prolonged drought causes wilting and leaf loss. If wilting from lack of water, water slowly and thoroughly, then move to a cooler, well-ventilated location for recovery. This geranium is also resistant to deer and rabbits.