Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: Geranium-Hardy
Common Name (Alternative): Cranesbill |
The best-known blue Geranium. 'Johnson's Blue' has been the favorite of many gardeners for a long time and it's not hard to tell why. The clear, vivid periwinkle blue flowers are perfectly formed and relatively large at 2" wide.
Immediately after flowering, it's a good idea to shear back the foliage to allow a flush of new growth. This will help to keep the plant more compact and mounded.
The finely cut leaves quickly form wide clumps and are the perfect backdrop for the flowers in late spring. In the fall, the foliage takes on brilliant orange and red tones, extending this perennial's seasonal interest even further.
Hardy geraniums are wonderful filler plants for any landscape, either residential or commercial. They blend nicely with most other perennials and offer continuous color throughout the summer months.
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
15-18 Inches
Spread:
18-24 Inches
Flower Color:
Blue shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Average water needs
Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Medium
When should it bloom?:
Late spring
Early summer
Midsummer
How's your soil?:
Poor Soil
Average Soil
Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Container/Patio
Eclectic
Cranesbill is generally quite adapatable to a variety of growing conditions. Though it prefers moist, well-drained soil, it will also tolerate periods of drought once established. For this reason, it is a good choice for southern gardens.
Cranesbill will grow in full sun or part shade. In too much shade, however, its habit will be less compact and fewer flowers will be produced.
Geraniums are generally considered pest free. They require little care once established, but may be divided every 3-4 years. If the foliage begins to look raggedy by late summer, simply trim it back. A new flush of foliage will quickly take its place.
The commmon name, Cranesbill, refers to the beak-like shaped seed pod.