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 break in mid-summer. 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 successfully grow and care for Geranium Rozanne at home.
- How to Grow Geranium Rozanne – The Essentials:
- About Geranium Rozanne
- Genus, Species, and Plant Family
- Geranium Rozanne Origins and History
- Geranium Rozanne Botanical Characteristics
- Uses & Benefits of Geranium Rozanne
- The Most Suitable USDA Growing Zones for Geranium Rozanne
- When will Geranium Rozanne Typically Bloom & How Long is the Flowering Season?
- Growth Expectations: How Big and How Fast Will Geranium Rozanne Grow?
- Best Companion Plants for Geranium Rozanne
- How to Grow Geranium Rozanne
- Are Geranium Rozanne Considered Easy to Grow at Home?
- What are the Best Locations to plant Geranium Rozanne?
- What are the Best Times of Year to Plant Geranium Rozanne?
- Growing Geranium Rozanne Plants from Seed vs Planting Young Nursery Plants
- What to Do Before Planting
- What’s the Best Soil for Geranium Rozanne Plants?
- Geranium Rozanne Light Preferences
- Temperature & Humidity Preferences
- How to Care for Geranium Rozanne
- Common Geranium Rozanne Problems & How to Treat Them
- Wrap Up
- Geranium Rozanne Plant FAQs:
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 |
About Geranium Rozanne
Genus, Species, and Plant Family
The Geranium genus, also known as the cranesbill genus, contains more than 420 species of perennials, biennials, and perennials that grow in across temperate regions around the world. Plants in this genus belong to the Geraniaceae family, which contains about 830 species of flowering plants.
Geranium Rozanne Origins and History
This lovely perennial was first discovered in 1989 in Somerset, England. David and Rozanne Waterer, both avid home gardeners, loved hardy geraniums. They had as many as 30 cranesbill varieties growing in their home garden, Crooked Acres.
David had a background in nurseries and plant breeding and often experimented by creating cultivars and crosses. One summer day, Rozanne Waterer discovered a geranium that looked different from the rest, with deep, violet-blue flowers and large foliage. A year later, the plant came back on its own and bloomed non-stop for months.
The Waterers shared their discovery with Bressingham Gardens and the nursery began cultivating the plant. They determined that the new perennial was a naturally occurring hybrid of G. himalayense, or Himalayan geranium, and a cultivar of G. wallichianum known as ‘Buxtons Variety.’
A little over a decade later, the plant was introduced at the Chelsea Flower Show. Soon after, Geranium Rozanne became available at North American nurseries.
Over the years, Rozanne has won numerous awards, including:
- 2013: Plant of the Centenary at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
- 2008: Perennial Plant Association Perennial Plant of the Year
- 2006: Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit
- 1993-2002: Royal Horticultural Society’s Plant of the Decade
Geranium Rozanne Botanical Characteristics
Geranium Rozanne forms a mound of foliage up to 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The plant’s green leaves are deeply cut.
Rozanne’s blue-purple flowers are showy, with cup-shaped blooms. Four to five striking, bright petals surround a white center.
Uses & Benefits of Geranium Rozanne
Geranium Rozanne’s profusion of nectar- and pollen-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators and beneficial insects.
While this plant doesn’t have any known culinary uses, essential oil from Geranium plants is used in a number of applications, including:
- To strengthen and add shine to hair
- As an anti-inflammatory for dermatitis, eczema and other skin issues
- As a moisturizing and anti-wrinkle treatment
- As an antiseptic on cuts and scrapes
- To fade scars and skin spots
- As a diuretic
- In aromatherapy to help reduce stress and anxiety
In the language of flowers, cranesbill geraniums represent friendship and happiness. Gifting these flowers is a perfect way to let a friend know you care and brighten someone’s day.
The Most Suitable USDA Growing Zones for Geranium Rozanne
Geranium Rozanne grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8. It may survive winters in USDA zone 4 if a thick layer of mulch is applied.
When will Geranium Rozanne Typically Bloom & How Long is the Flowering Season?
Geranium Rozanne usually blooms from late spring through early fall. It may take a break during the summer, then begin to bloom again with renewed vigor. In mild climates, Rozanne may continue blooming well into late fall.
Growth Expectations: How Big and How Fast Will Geranium Rozanne Grow?
Rozanne usually grows up to 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Sometimes it has a sprawling habit, and its stems may wind through and over other, nearby plants. If stems grow unwieldy, they can be cut back; usually, they’ll branch and sometimes even re-bloom.
Best Companion Plants for Geranium Rozanne
Geranium Rozanne looks gorgeous when planted with yellow flowers. Sun-lovers like coreopsis, black-eyed Susan, and goldenrod make great companion plants, as do daffodils. Rozanne’s stems help hide spent daffodils’ less-than-attractive foliage.
Rozanne is wonderful when planted in front of roses. It also looks great in-between daylilies, phlox, New England asters, or other tall perennials.
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
What are the Best Locations to plant Geranium Rozanne?
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.
What are the Best Times of Year to Plant Geranium Rozanne?
Plant Rozanne from mid-March to April, or mid-September to October for the best results.
Growing Geranium Rozanne Plants 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 own garden.
What to Do Before Planting
Before planting Geranium Rozanne, make sure to 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.
What’s the Best Soil for Geranium Rozanne Plants?
Geranium Rozanne grows best in moist, well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. Established plants have some drought resistance, but they don’t like to be dry for long periods of time. Rozanne also hates wet feet. Aim for pH levels from 5.8 to 6.3.
Geranium Rozanne Light Preferences
For the biggest, brightest blooms, plant Rozanne in full sun. However, the plants will grow nicely in partial shade.
Temperature & Humidity Preferences
Geranium Rozanne is relatively heat-tolerant. However, if you live in a warm region, plants may do better when provided with afternoon shade.
How to Care for Geranium Rozanne
Watering Geranium Rozanne Plants
Geranium Rozanne is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate some drought. They prefer moist, well-drained soil, so don’t over-water.
How, When, and Why to Fertilize Geranium Rozanne
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 Geranium Rozanne Plants
If Rozanne spreads too much or looks gangly, prune in the summer. The plant will branch and may re-bloom.
At winter’s end, cut the plants back to two or three inches tall. You can divide Rozanne 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 Plants
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 Geranium Rozanne Grown in Containers
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.
Common Geranium Rozanne 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.
Geranium Rozanne Plant FAQs:
What type of geranium is Rozanne?
Rozanne is what’s known as a hardy, or cranesbill, geranium. It’s a hybrid of Himalayan geranium (G. himalayense) and the cultivar G. wallichianum ‘Buxtons Variety.’
Is Geranium Rozanne blue or purple?
Rozanne’s blossoms are somewhere in the middle. The plants’ cup-shaped flowers bloom in a brilliant shade of blue-violet with white centers.
How quickly does Geranium Rozanne grow?
Geranium Rozanne grows quickly, but only reaches heights of about 1.5 feet and widths of about 2 feet. While the stems can spread, they’re easy to cut back and pruning may even spur new blossoms.
Is Rozanne geranium invasive?
Rozanne is not invasive. As a hybrid, it rarely sets seed.
Should I cut back Geranium Rozanne?
You can cut back Rozanne if it starts to look gangly. You can divide plants every two to three years.
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 features Geranium Orion, and Geranium maderense (Madeira cranesbill).
Linsay is an American copywriter based in the Pacific Northwest with a background in academic writing and research. Linsay holds Master's degree in both Anthropology and Library and Information Sciences and has written for numerous national and international publications including USA Today, SFGATE, Hunker, and The Bump across an array of topics in the gardening, green living, and travel sectors. When she's not writing, you'll usually find Linsay reading, kayaking, sailing, snowboarding, or working in her garden.
