Geranium Johnson’s Blue vs Rozanne
From my experience, while Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ adds a delightful burst of color in the spring, ‘Rozanne’ offers a longer blooming period, making it my go-to for continuous garden vibrancy throughout the summer and fall.
How to care for Geranium Johnson’s Blue?
Here’s a guide on how to care for your Johnson’s Blue Geranium (Geranium Johnson’s Blue) and keep it flourishing:
Sunlight:
- Thrives in Sunshine: Johnson’s Blue Geranium enjoys full sun exposure. This provides the optimal amount of light for healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- Partial Shade Tolerance: It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be less prolific.
Watering:
- Regular Watering is Key: Water your Johnson’s Blue Geranium regularly, especially during the first growing season, to maintain consistently moist soil but not soggy conditions.
- Established Plants: Once established, they are more drought tolerant but will still benefit from occasional watering during dry periods. Signs of thirst include wilting leaves.
Soil:
- Well-Drained is Crucial: Johnson’s Blue Geranium prefers well-drained soil. Poor drainage can lead to root rot.
- Adaptable Soil Types: It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as drainage is adequate.
- Amending Soil: If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
Fertilizing:
- Moderate Feeder: Johnson’s Blue Geranium doesn’t require heavy feeding. A single application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can promote excessive foliage growth and reduce flowering.
Pruning:
- Encourage New Growth: Prune lightly in early spring before new growth appears. You can remove dead, diseased, or damaged stems.
- Shaping and Size Control: If desired, you can prune for shaping or size control after flowering has finished. This typically occurs in late summer or early fall. Pinching back stems throughout the growing season can also encourage bushier growth.
Additional Tips:
- Deadheading: Deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season can encourage additional blooms.
- Winter Care: Johnson’s Blue Geranium is a herbaceous perennial, meaning the foliage dies back in winter in colder climates (USDA zones 4-8). You can cut back the dead stems in late fall or early spring before new growth appears. In some mild climates, the foliage may remain evergreen.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant, but watch for common garden problems like aphids or powdery mildew. You can treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
When to cut back Johnson’s Blue Geranium?
Cutting back my Johnson’s Blue Geranium is something I’ve experimented with over the years to maintain their shape and encourage new growth. I’ve found that the best time to do this is after their initial flush of flowers in late spring or early summer. By trimming them back by about a third, I’ve stimulated the production of fresh foliage and blooms, resulting in a bushier, more compact plant. Additionally, removing any leggy or diseased stems helps improve air circulation and overall plant health.
Where to buy Johnson’s Blue Geranium?
Finding Johnson’s Blue Geraniums to add to my garden has been an adventure in itself. While local nurseries and garden centers are always a reliable option, I’ve also had success sourcing them online from reputable plant retailers. I prefer to purchase from nurseries that prioritize sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, ensuring that the plants I bring home are healthy and ethically sourced.
Are Johnson’s Blue Geranium a perennial or annual?
One of the reasons I love Johnson’s Blue Geraniums is because they are perennial, meaning they come back year after year with minimal effort on my part. Unlike annuals that need to be replanted each spring, these reliable beauties grace my garden with their delicate blue blooms season after season. Knowing that they’ll return reliably each year gives me peace of mind and allows me to focus on other aspects of gardening.
How tall do Geranium Johnson’s Blue reach when mature?
At maturity, my Geranium Johnson’s Blue typically reach a height of around 12 to 18 inches, creating a lovely low-mounding effect in my garden beds. This compact size makes them versatile for various landscaping purposes, whether as edging plants, ground covers, or mixed into perennial borders. Their modest stature also means they won’t overshadow smaller companions, allowing each plant to shine in its own right.
How to propagate Johnson’s Blue Geranium?
Propagating Johnson’s Blue Geraniums has been a fun and rewarding way to expand my garden without breaking the bank. One method I’ve had success with is dividing mature plants in the spring or fall. Carefully digging up the root ball and separating it into smaller clumps allows me to create new plants to share with friends or fill in bare spots in my garden. I’ve also experimented with taking stem cuttings in the summer, rooting them in a well-draining soil mixture under gentle misting or in a humidity dome until they develop roots. Both methods have yielded healthy, vigorous plants that continue to brighten my garden year after year.
