Geranium Rozanne: Plant Care and Growing Guide

Geranium Rozanne brings gorgeous color to the landscape with its long-lasting, large blue blossoms. This hardy perennial geranium, commonly known as cranesbill, is heat-tolerant, pest- and deer-resistant, and offers low maintenance. Rozanne will often bloom from spring through fall, with a mid-summer break. Plants reach up to two feet tall and wide and grow in USDA Zones 5 through 8. Geranium Rozanne was named the Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year in 2008. Here, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to grow and care for Geranium Rozanne at home successfully. 

How to Grow Geranium Rozanne – The Essentials:

Botanical Name:	Geranium Rozanne
Also Known As:	Cranesbill or hardy geranium
Hardiness Zones:	USDA 5 to 8
Flowering Months:	May through August, then may bloom again through early fall
Growing Difficulty:	Easy
Type of Plant:	Perennial
Light Requirements:	Full sun through partial shade
Temp & Humidity:	Heat tolerant
Watering Needs:	Keep moist
Soil Preferences:	Well-draining, moist, moderately fertile soil; 5.8 to 6.3 pH
Feeding:	A yearly application of compost in poor soil, spring feeding with balanced, time-release fertilizer
Growth Expectations:	1.5 to 2 feet tall and wide
Toxicity:	Non-toxic to humans and pets

How to Grow Geranium Rozanne

Are Geranium Rozanne Considered Easy to Grow at Home?

Geranium Rozannes are known for being easy to grow. These adaptable plants can thrive in a range of environments. As a Perennial Plant Association’s Plant of the Year, Rozanne is also:

• Low maintenance
• Pest- and disease-resistant
• Attractive in multiple seasons

Best Locations to Plant

Geranium Rozanne adds a bright pop of color at the front of borders and beds and looks especially nice in front of leggy plants. It’s heat-tolerant, so it grows well in containers, hanging baskets, and rock gardens.

Best Times of Year to Plant

Plant Rozanne from mid-March to April or mid-September to October for the best results.

Growing from Seed vs Planting Young Nursery Plants

Because Rozanne is a hybrid, it rarely sets seed (or grows true to seed when it does). Buy nursery plants or divide a well-established Rozanne for use in your garden.

What to Do Before Planting

Before planting Geranium Rozanne, choose a space with enough room for the plants’ spread, typically up to 2 feet. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or peat moss.

Best Soil

Geranium Rozanne grows best in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Established plants have some drought resistance, but they don’t like to be dry for long periods. Rozanne also hates wet feet. Aim for pH levels from 5.8 to 6.3.

Light Preferences

Plant Rozanne in full sun for the biggest, brightest blooms. However, the plants will also grow nicely in partial shade.

Temperature & Humidity Preferences

Geranium Rozanne is relatively heat-tolerant. However, if you live in a warm region, your plants may do better with afternoon shade.

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How to Care for Geranium Rozanne

Watering

Geranium Rozanne is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate some drought. They prefer moist, well-drained soil, so don’t over-water.

Fertilizing

In many cases, all Rozanne needs is a yearly application of compost. However, if you’re growing in poor soil, you can feed in spring with a balanced, time-release fertilizer.

Pruning & Cutting Back

If Rozanne spreads too much or looks gangly, prune in the summer. The plant will branch and may re-bloom.

At the end of winter, cut the plants back to two or three inches tall. Rozanne can be divided every two to three years.

Propagation

As a hybrid, Rozanne rarely seeds. Instead, propagate through division in fall, when the growing season is over, or in spring before new growth takes off.

To propagate, carefully dig up the entire root clump. You can divide the clump in half or into smaller pieces, then replant the pieces and water thoroughly.

Overwintering

Geranium Rozanne is hardy down to USDA zone 5, and in Zone 4 when layered with mulch. Offer additional protection for plants in containers by:

• Cutting off spent foliage after the growing season
• Moving plants to a covered location such as sheds, garages, greenhouses, polytunnels, covered patios, or against the side of a house or outbuilding
• Watering through the winter to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Feeding when new growth starts to show

Repotting

When reporting a Rozanne, choose a container that’s at least 18 inches wide. Most importantly, containers must have adequate drainage.

When repotting, throw in a handful of fish or bone meal. You may want to fertilize potted Rozannes once a month using a balanced liquid fertilizer.

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Common Problems & How to Treat Them

Geranium Rozanne tolerates a range of conditions but dislikes wet feet. Signs of an overwatered plant include yellowing in lower leaves and drooping blossoms. Underwatered plants may show shriveled, dry-looking blooms and foliage.

Discolored leaves, stems, and flowers may also indicate a bacterial or fungal disease. Rarely, Geranium Rozanne may suffer from leaf spots or rust. Prune and dispose of affected foliage, then apply fungicides to treat.

Wrap Up

Geranium Rozanne adds bright color to the garden for months on end. This low-maintenance perennial is relatively pest- and disease-free, and rabbits and deer tend to avoid it. With its gorgeous blue-purple blooms and attractive foliage, this stunning plant’s popularity is no surprise.

More Geranium Flower Growing Guides:

For more essential step-by-step guides to growing and caring for Geranium plants at home, please see our in-depth guide to Geranium maderense (Madeira cranesbill).