Geranium Rozanne

Description

Geranium Rozanne, also known as Geranium ‘Gerwat’ or Rozanne Cranesbill, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant that belongs to the family Geraniaceae. It is a hybrid of Geranium himalayense and Geranium wallichianum, developed by Donald and Rozanne Waterer in 1989. Geranium Rozanne is a popular garden plant due to its long blooming period, easy maintenance, and attractive blue-violet flowers. It is an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, containers, and ground covers.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Geranium Rozanne has a spreading habit and can grow up to 20-24 inches in height and 24-30 inches in width. It has deeply divided, dark green, and glossy leaves that turn red in fall. The flowers are large, about 2-3 inches in diameter, and have five petals that are blue-violet with white centers. The blooms appear from early summer until frost and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Geranium Rozanne has a dense and mounding growth habit that can tolerate light foot traffic.

Care Guide

Geranium Rozanne is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in various growing conditions. Here are some care tips:

Water: Geranium Rozanne prefers moderate watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water per week to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering or leaving the plant in standing water as it can cause root rot.

Fertilization: Geranium Rozanne does not require frequent fertilization. You can apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring to promote healthy growth and blooming. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Soil: Geranium Rozanne grows best in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. To improve drainage, you can add organic matter such as compost or aged manure to the soil before planting.

Sunlight: Geranium Rozanne prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates. However, too much shade can reduce blooming and make the plant leggy.

Hardiness Zones: Geranium Rozanne is hardy in USDA zones 5-8. It can tolerate frost and mild winter temperatures but may die back to the ground in colder regions. In spring, the plant will resprout from the roots.

Common Pests & Diseases

Geranium Rozanne is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that you should watch out for:

Pests: The most common pests that can attack Geranium Rozanne are slugs, snails, aphids, and spider mites. You can control them by handpicking, using insecticidal soap or neem oil, or applying diatomaceous earth around the plant.

Diseases: Geranium Rozanne can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and botrytis. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering, provide good air circulation, and remove diseased foliage. You can also apply fungicides if necessary.

Habitat

Geranium Rozanne is native to the Himalayas and can grow in various habitats, including meadows, forests, and rocky slopes. It prefers cool and moist climates but can tolerate some drought and heat. In cultivation, Geranium Rozanne can grow in a variety of landscapes, from gardens to parks to roadside plantings. It is adaptable to different soil types and can grow in both sunny and partially shaded areas.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Geranium Rozanne a perennial or annual?

A: Geranium Rozanne is a perennial flowering plant that can live for several years with proper care.

Q: Can Geranium Rozanne grow in containers?

A: Yes, Geranium Rozanne can grow in containers as long as the container is at least 12 inches in diameter and has good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly.

Q: How often should I prune Geranium Rozanne?

A: You can prune Geranium Rozanne in early spring before new growth appears to remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems. You can also cut back the plant by one-third after the first bloom to promote bushier growth and more flowers.

Q: Can I propagate Geranium Rozanne from cuttings?

A: Yes, Geranium Rozanne can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant the cutting in a well-draining rooting medium. Keep the soil moist and provide bright but indirect light until new growth appears.

Related Plants

• Geranium himalayense
• Geranium wallichianum
• Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’
• Geranium ‘Rozanne’s Friend’
• Geranium ‘Rozanne’s Wish’

References

• Missouri Botanical Garden: Geranium ‘Rozanne’
• RHS: Geranium ‘Rozanne’
• Gardening Know How: Geranium Rozanne Care – How To Grow Rozanne Geraniums
• Penn State Extension: Perennial Geraniums