The cranesbill geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ produces masses of enormous, lavender-blue flowers with dark veins that eventually turn pearl grey as they age. This unassuming, slightly sprawling plant looks best when given space to grow. It’s a fantastic option for groundcover. It goes well with vintage roses and is ideal for a cottage garden or casual border. Bees are attracted to its blossoms. It has received The Royal Horticultural Society’s esteemed Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Grow Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ in sun to partial shade with moist but well-drained soil. After flowering, prune plants to promote a second flush of blooms.
How are Johnson’s Blue geraniums grown?
Johnson’s Blue Geranium Plant Care Instructions
- Give the plants full sun and well-draining soil.
- In the summer, give the blue geranium plants regular watering.
- Cut back on watering established plants.
- During the winter, skip the waterings.
- In the spring, add fertilizer.
- In the summer, prune the geraniums.
- Continue Weeding.
- Cut the geraniums in half.
Info
This is a hardy perennial, so the leaves will drop off and regrow in the spring. These can endure temperatures of at least -10 degrees. It will take some time for this geranium to reach its full size, but once it is established, it won’t require much care. Before spring, trim back the autumn-browned foliage. Cutting back after flowering can help to promote later-season blossoming. Other than that, perennials are the easiest to grow.
Are blue geraniums contagious?
Johnson’s Blue, one of the most well-liked blue-flowered geraniums, grows into dense, spreading mounds of neatly cut leaves that are covered in a profusion of big clusters of 2 in. (5 cm) wide, saucer-shaped, sky blue flowers from late spring to July. Compact and with lovely foliage that lasts the entire growing season, it functions well as low ground cover. It makes a lovely contrast in the fall when it turns ostentatious red and gold.
- Winner of the esteemed Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit
- This robust, clump-forming deciduous perennial grows 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall and spreads 24–30 inches wide (60-75 cm). This resilient performer is free of pests and diseases, easy to grow, and requires very little maintenance.
- performs best on average, medium moisture, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. like organic, wet soils. Once established, it can withstand drought and is appealing to butterflies but unattractive to deer and rabbits.
- It is a stunning addition to beds, borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, underplanting roses and shrubs, or containers, and makes a superb edging plant. It is the ideal border plant.
- A hybrid of Geranium himalayense and Geranium pratense is known as Geranium “Johnson’s Blue.”
invasive Johnson’s blue geranium
Hardy geranium “Johnson’s Blue” is also referred to as a cranesbill geranium. But compared to some of the other hardy geraniums in my garden, Johnson’s Blue is not as aggressive or self-seeding. It also has longer blooms.
It blooms from late spring through the summer and has a mounding habit. In the fall, the foliage turns hues of orange and crimson.
It is indigenous to China and has long been a cottage gardener favorite. It grows nicely in containers and is a great plant for a loose border. Additionally, the two-inch blue blossoms complement nearly any garden’s color scheme.
Although the blossoms of this plant don’t endure very long, the delicate foliage adds to its attractiveness and makes it attractive as a cut flower and a filler in floral arrangements.
Hardy Geraniums vs. Pelargoniums
Pelargoniums should not be confused with hardy geraniums. What is the difference between a geranium vs. pelargonium, you ask? Similar to some siblings, they are both members of the same plant family, but they could not be more unlike.
Pelargoniums cannot withstand frost, while hardy geraniums can. Pelargoniums are usually treated as annuals and replanted each year, but true hardy geraniums are perennials that grow back every year. Pelargoniums die in the winter.
Prune your Hardy Geraniums
Your sturdy geraniums will look their best and promote new growth if you prune them properly. By correctly pruning your hardy geraniums after the blooming season, you can encourage repeat blooming. The majority of geraniums can be cut back twice in a single season, which allows them to bloom at least three times.
When to Prune
Your hardy geraniums should be pruned in accordance with the season you are in. Rozanne will require various cuts in the spring, summer, and fall. To maintain your blooms rich and healthy, mark your calendar and adhere to our seasonal trimming recommendations.
What tools you need
Your geraniums may be pruned fairly easily. All you’ll need is the ability to prune, a pair of sharp pruners, your favorite mulch, and your favorite gardening gloves. Watch this video to learn more about pruning strategies in detail.
How to prune
You shouldn’t be concerned that pruning your flower’s back will harm her. The majority of hardy geraniums require trimming to promote new growth and prevent them from encroaching upon other plants.
Trim the plant back to within a few inches of the ground or to about an inch above the main stem once the flowering is completed or you find old growth. Remove any brown stems or yellow leaves after that by going inside.
Soon after trimming, more leaves will start to appear. Some resilient geraniums even have the ability to blossom again. Maintaining correct pruning on your plants encourages new development and keeps them from spilling out throughout your landscape.
What pruning advice do you prefer? Share them with us in a comment on our Facebook page!
What can I grow beside blue geraniums?
Hardy geraniums are low-growing plants with saucer-shaped flowers that are available in a variety of colors, including white, mauve, pink, and purple. They are great ground cover plants since they come in many types and spread widely. They are a fantastic choice for planting in front of mixed borders or beneath trees and shrubs.
Many plants look wonderful when planted with hardy geraniums because they have a lengthy flowering season and are suitable for most soil types and climates.
The leaf shapes of hardy geraniums are particularly striking and go well with the contrasting foliage. Many are semi-evergreen, and some also change color in the fall. They look great placed beside grasses, taller flowering plants, and other similar-flowering but different-in-form and structure plants like hebes.
Feverfew
When mixed with blue-flowered geraniums, feverfew’s delicate, straightforward daisy blossoms give an informal, natural appearance. It would work well as a border for a cottage garden-style planting bed and is the ideal mixture for luring pollinators. The daisy-like blossoms Erigeron karvinskianus or Anthemis punctata are more options that go well with geraniums.
Tellima grandiflora
With low-growing leaves that forms large clusters, Tellima grandiflora has a habit resembling geraniums. On large branches, nevertheless, its delicate blossoms emerge above the leaves. It is especially effective when used with Geranium phaeum “Mourning widow” (pictured). The Tellima blooms’ greenish-yellow color stands in contrast to the dark geranium flowers. Both plants do best in a semi-shaded area, such as the border of a forest or beneath a small tree or shrub.
Aquilegia vulgaris
Early summer blooming aquilegias thrive in conditions that many geraniums do, thus they will naturally colonize with them. Geraniums’ simple open flowers contrast well with the characteristic nodding, bonnet-like flowers. Here, the pale pink aquilegia flowers on dark stems contrast well with the magenta pink of the Geranium psilostemon.
Nectaroscordum
Nectaroscordum siculum’s lovely pink bell-shaped flowers grow in loose umbels and are best suited for gravel gardens or sunny borders. It attracts pollinators and pairs well with geraniums in an environment that is favorable to animals. It is placed here alongside a white Geranium phaeum.
Luzula
The velvety leaves of geraniums contrasts beautifully with the coarseness of grasses. Geranium “Johnsons Blue” enhances the fresh, lively appearance of the evergreen Luzula nivea. Hakonechloa and Millium effusum ‘Aureum’ are two other grasses that would thrive in a similar semi-shady environment.
Ferns
The shade-tolerant geraniums contrast beautifully with the ferns’ delicate, bright green fronds. Select smaller fern species, such as the compact Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa Gracilis’. Alternately, consider taller, arching species like Dryopteris affinis, which will appear above a mat of geraniums with slower growth.
Geraniums
Geraniums can look beautiful planted with other geraniums because there are so many different shades and kinds to pick from. In this picture, the lovely blue Geranium magnificum perfectly contrasts with the white type.
Acer palmatum
Hardy geraniums that thrive in the shade are ideal for planting beneath trees. To create a stunning contrast between the leaves and the blossoms rising from below, pick a tiny decorative tree. The crowns of the pink cranesbill blossoms are delicately brushed by the lower branches of this Acer palmatum with ruby-colored leaves. The acer’s dark, sharply defined palmate leaves contrast favorably with the looser geranium foliage.
Are geraniums plants that prefer shade?
Unlike the annual geraniums (which are actually pelargoniums) we buy for porch pots or bedding plants, hardy geranium is a perennial. Hardy geraniums grow in low mounds and bloom in white, red, purple, pink, or blue from spring through October. They will thrive in part shade, and some cultivars do perfectly in full shade. Hardy geraniums also survive dry soil, which is a benefit when growing them under trees. In zones four through eight, they are resilient.
What does the geranium represent?
The geranium flower represents friendship, happiness, and good health. With the exception of the Victorian image of idiocy or foolishness, they are connected to pleasant feelings. This ancient symbolism has essentially been forgotten because people now view this cheerful flower as a sign of joyous thoughts and feelings.
Common Geranium Flower Colors and their Meaning & Symbolism
The color of a geranium bloom can also have an impact on its significance. There is a vast variety to pick from when trying to send a message, with blooms ranging from white and pastel pinks to vivid colours of orange and red and even exquisite shades of blue and purple.
In addition to the conventional meanings of flower colors, some colored geraniums have unique meanings of their own.
- Red geraniums: These plants are regarded as protecting. A red geranium near the front door is said to alert you to outsiders’ approaches in Wiccan lore.
- White geraniums: It was believed that white geraniums had snake-repelling properties. They served as a fertility symbol as well.
- Pink geraniums: These flowers were treasured as a component of love spells.
Otherwise, while selecting geraniums as a present, think about the significance of the flower’s hue.
- Yellow: Flowers in this color convey a message of happiness and lightheartedness. They represent happiness and camaraderie.
What is the ideal location to plant geraniums?
To cultivate geraniums, you don’t have to be an expert gardener. Geraniums don’t require much in the way of particular care and don’t care much for expensive fertilizers or niche soils.
For geraniums, soil
A loose soil with lots of organic materials is ideal for geraniums. Add peat, compost, or perlite if your soil is on the heavier side. Vermiculite and manure are not advised.
Geranium Planting Locations
Nearly all gardening zones are suitable for geranium planting. Even after understanding this, you might still wonder if geraniums require full sun. Geraniums need a lot of light to bloom, although in regions with hot summers, some shade is advised. The answer to the question of how much sunlight geraniums require varies on the particular geranium and your gardening zone. The optimum position has well-draining soil, morning sun, and afternoon shade. Pick a spot that is the right size for your geranium flower beds. The risk of illness is decreased by maintaining the proper distance between plants.
Geranium Planting Season
Planting season shouldn’t be rushed because geraniums aren’t cold resistant. If you hold off too long, though, you run the risk of missing the low nighttime temperatures that promote budding. Planting at the right time is the first step in understanding how to cultivate geraniums outdoors. Wait till your soil reaches 60 degrees F and the threat of the last frost has passed.
Geranium-specific fertilizer
Light fertilizing is required for geraniums. If you overfeed them, the blossoms will suffer while the foliage thrives. You don’t need to buy a specialized geranium fertilizer, despite the fact that you may notice it in your local garden center. Combine 2 teaspoons of a water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer with 1 gallon of water for a mild fertilization. Every three weeks during the growing season, apply this solution.
Geraniums in Containers
You may be wondering how to pot-plant geraniums. Actually, it’s as simple as putting them in the ground. You require a soil that is loose and well-draining, regular watering, and minimal fertilizing. As long as the container has drainage holes, geraniums thrive in various sizes and shapes of containers. The secret to growing geraniums in pots is to put them in sunny spots away from windy areas.
Geraniums grown in pots have the extra advantage that you may easily bring them indoors for the winter. Geraniums will flourish as a houseplant even in the coldest months if they are put in a sunny window. After the last frost, gently reintroduce them to the outside in the spring.
giving geraniums water
Take the time to leave an irrigation furrow around each plant to act as a watering reservoir since geraniums require deep, thorough watering. As a result, water can collect and then slowly percolate through the soil. Allow the soil to dry out in between waterings to prevent root rot. Using a soaker hose to water at ground level keeps water off the leaves and guards against illness. Geraniums need to be watered frequently because the soil in pots likes to get heated. You can water plants without waiting for the soil to dry up between applications since the drainage holes assist prevent root rot.
What volume of water do geraniums require? You’ll just need to keep an eye on your plants. Avoid allowing your geraniums to wilt for proper geranium plant care. Poor flower production and leaf shedding occur as a result of withering and revival cycles.
Geranium pruning
Outdoor-planted annual geraniums don’t require pruning, but routine deadheading can help reduce disease and boost growth. After the flowers have faded, simply pinch off the entire flower stalk and pick the plants’ dried leaves. The geranium houseplant frequently develops long, slender legs. Pinching the growth tips on a regular basis will promote branching.
Geranium Common Pests and Diseases
Geraniums are generally free of insects and other pests. Botrytis and other fungus attacks, however, can happen in cooler, rainier climates. Commercial fungicides offer some level of defense. Oedema and root rot are two issues that can result from overwatering.