Maverick Star Geranium Care

Maverick Star grows vibrant pink and white bicolor blooms. Perhaps the prettiest pink picotee we’ve seen on a geranium, Maverick Star geranium’s bicolor blooms are truly spectacular. Bright pink and bright white on the same flower, Maverick Star’s flowers grow in large clusters set off above scalloped green leaves.

Plant Description and Uses

Maverick Star Geranium features bold balls of lightly-scented shell pink flowers with pink centers at the ends of the stems from late spring to early fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Maverick Star Geranium is an herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. Compact and tidy, well-branched plants are happy even in humid, hot climates. Maverick geraniums are excellent container flowers and equally as happy mass planted in beds or used for window boxes. Maverick Star Geranium is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers against which the larger thriller plants stand out.

Size and Spacing

Maverick Star Geranium will grow to be about 16 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 14 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 12 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front.

Light and Temperature

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. Light shade to full sun in the North and part shade in the South will allow these plants to reach peak performance. Pelargonium appreciates heat and direct sunlight. It is therefore exposed to the south or southwest sun.

Watering and Moisture

Most adapt well to short periods of dry conditions, and all respond to regular watering. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is very drought tolerant but grows and flowers much more with regular watering. Water well if it is unseasonably dry as most prefer an evenly moist soil. Regular water.

Soil and Fertilizer

Geraniums thrive in average, well-drained soils that are slightly acid to neutral and will benefit from a light application of balanced, granular fertilizer in early spring. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. Early Spring: Apply a light application of balanced or slow-release fertilizer or side-dress with compost and organic amendments when new growth appears. Supplement nitrogen during periods of prolonged rain to counter natural leaching.

Sowing Seeds and Germination

Sow the seeds 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds in 2 in. pots or cell packs, press into soil and barely cover. Keep the temperature around 23 °C. Kept at 70-75°F., germination is within 7-14 days. Germination time is between 5-7 days. Light is not necessary for germination. Bottom-heat can help maintain the ideal germination temperature. Soil moisture should be kept high until seeds germinate, then reduced to a moderate level after germination. Seedlings grow best with daytime temperatures in the 70s and nighttime temperatures in the 60s.

Transplanting and Planting

Transplant into the garden 1 ft. Step 1: plow the soil about 30 cm (12 inches). Add an equal part of potting soil and mix well. Dig a hole approximately the same length as the container and about 1 ½ to 3 times the width. Step 2: slightly squeeze the container, tap out the plant, and delicately free the roots. If the roots are too dense, liberate the fibers by inserting a knife or a transplanter. Separate the roots carefully, then place in the hole. Fill up the hole with garden soil. Slightly press the soil around the base of the plant to favor the contact between the roots and the soil. Water regularly every 2 or 3 days until the soil is well compacted.

Cultural Practices and Maintenance

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep. Trim off the flower heads after they fade and die to encourage more blooms late into the season. Cut foliage back to soil level. Cut plants back hard, to 2-3 inches above soil level, after the first wave of bloom. From 7 to 10 days after the date of the last ground frost. Groom plants by removing yellow or dead leaves.

Division and Longevity

Although it's not a true annual, this fast-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. Cranesbill Geranium rarely needs dividing; it is possible with some plants to separate out divisions and replant in spring or early fall.

Pest, Urban Tolerance and Other Notes

It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. We guarantee all the seeds we sell for one full year from the date of purchase. If you are unsatisfied with any seeds purchased from Swallowtail Garden Seeds, we will issue a refund. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. Considered as 'the reference' in pelargoniums by professional growers, they are profuse bloomers and carry large, round flower heads on attractive well-zoned foliage. The lobed foliage can be as interesting as the flowers, which come in vibrant as well as more subdued shades of true blue, lavender, pinks and white. Plantation : Sow the seeds 8-10 weeks before the last frost.

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