ColorChallenge Saturday (Indigo) Geranium 'Rozanne'

Geranium 'Rozanne'

This is one of my favorite perennial Geranium's. I used it often to naturalize in the landscape. The fact that Geranium 'Rozanne' requires minimal attention in the garden is only one of its many charms.

I particularly enjoy Geranium 'Rozanne' next to yellow flowers, such as the soft yellows of coreopsis or intermingling with yellow roses. Or, in front of the beautiful white Astilbe.

Geranium 'Rozanne' has a sprawling habit, but it holds its many flowers high above the foliage. The stems have a rather chaotic way of growing (in the best sense) and find their way in and throughout neighboring plants.

Geranium is derived from the Greek geranós, meaning crane. The common name, cranesbill, derives from the shape of the fruit capsule that appears in some of the species.

The best, most garden-worthy hardy Geranium you can grow. Large 2.5" (6cm) saucer-shaped flowers seem to never quit with violet-blue blooms and white centers flower profusely from late spring through November, or until frost.

Unlike many Geraniums, 'Rozanne' has great heat tolerance, too!

The habit is mounded, and the slightly marbled, deep green finely cut foliage becomes reddish brown in fall for added interest.

'Rozanne' was discovered by Donald and Rozanne Waterer of England as a naturally occuring hybrid of Geranium himalayense and Geranium wallichianum 'Buxton's Variety'.

Around 1989, while lovingly tending their own private garden, Donald and Rozanne Waterer noticed a Geranium seedling that was growing much stronger than the others in the garden and had larger leaves. When it bloomed, its flowers had a similar look to those of Geranium ‘Buxton’s Variety’ but were twice as large. It seemed that a super-Geranium had emerged!

Geranium 'Rozanne' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Height: 15-18 inches
Spread: 15-20 inches
USDA Hardiness Zone 5-8

Prefers average, well-drained soils, The attractive foliage weaves itself through neighboring plants. Grow in borders, containers, or rock or cottage gardens. 'Rozanne' is most effective en masse.

In hot summer climates, the primary bloom runs from late spring to early summer (June - July) with a lighter bloom continuing throughout summer into fall. If bloom interrupts in the heat of the summer, plants can be cut back to rejuvenate, shape and/or encourage a late summer/early fall rebloom.

In cooler northern USA climates, plants usually bloom well throughout summer into fall. Side stems may be removed or trimmed at any time to control spread.

ROZANNE has exceptional heat tolerance, and generally will bloom throughout the summer.

Moist but well-draining, organic soils will promote spread. Established plants have some drought tolerance.

Tolerates summer heat better when given ample moisture and partial shade.

Plants can be sheared to 3" (8 cm) to rejuvenate. Rarely needs division.

Place in front of beds or borders. A good groundcover. Virtually disease and pest free!

The attractive foliage weaves itself through neighboring plants. Grow in borders, containers, or rock or cottage gardens. 'Rozanne' is most effective en masse.

Key Characteristics & Attributes

• Deer Resistant
• Full Sun to Part Shade
• Average well-drained Soil
• Groundcover
• Attracts Butterflies

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to leaf spots and rusts.

Awards:

PPA Perennial Plant of the Year 2008
RHS Award of Garden Merit 2006
Chicago Botanic Garden 15-year perennial trial – Top Pick
University of Georgia, Georgia Gold Medal Winner 2008
RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Centenary https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/2013-stories/plant-of-the-centenary

Here is a list of nursery's to purchase Rozanne in the USA http://davesgarden.com/products/ps/go/57636/