Cranesbill (Geranium 'Gerwat' ROZANNE)
Geranium 'Gerwat' ROZANNE (Cranesbill) offers non-stop violet-blue blooms from May to July. A low-maintenance, heat-tolerant perennial perfect for borders.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Geranium ‘Gerwat’ ROZANNE, commonly known as Cranesbill, is highly valued by gardeners for its remarkable, nearly non-stop flowering display that stretches from late spring well into the fall. This patented hybrid forms a neat, clump-forming mound featuring deeply cut, rich green foliage that serves as an excellent backdrop to its vibrant blossoms. Its exceptional heat tolerance makes Geranium ‘Gerwat’ ROZANNE a reliable performer, particularly in warmer climates where other early bloomers might falter.
This hardy geranium thrives with minimal intervention, requiring only average, well-drained soil and medium moisture to perform optimally throughout the season. The large, five-petaled flowers boast a striking violet-blue hue accented by delicate white centers, adding consistent color to beds and borders. Gardeners appreciate this Cranesbill for its versatility and its reputation as a tough yet beautiful addition to almost any sunny or partially shaded spot.
The aesthetic appeal and low maintenance profile ensure that Geranium ‘Gerwat’ ROZANNE remains a cornerstone for continuous color. Whether used as mass ground cover or as an edging plant, the consistent performance of this cultivar makes it a superior choice for designing low-fuss, high-impact perennial displays.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Geraniaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: May to July
- Bloom Description: Violet blue with white centers
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Geranium ‘Gerwat’ ROZANNE in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. While it appreciates moist, organic soil, established specimens show impressive drought tolerance, making it forgiving once settled. Full sun provides the best performance, though plants benefit from some protection, such as part afternoon shade, especially in the hottest summer climates.
Watering should be consistent, aiming for medium moisture, particularly during establishment or periods of intense summer heat. Fertilization is usually unnecessary if the soil is reasonably fertile. The defining cultural tip for maximizing bloom on this Cranesbill involves seasonal shearing.
If the primary bloom cycle slows due to summer heat, simply cut the plant back to rejuvenate it. This can encourage fresh growth and spark a lighter but continuous rebloom throughout the late summer and into the fall. In cooler northern regions, expect steady blooming across the entire summer without heavy reliance on rejuvenation cuts. Pruning side stems is acceptable anytime to maintain desired shape or control spread.
Landscape Uses
Geranium ‘Gerwat’ ROZANNE is adaptable, serving beautifully in rock gardens where its trailing habit can spill over stones, or used formally along cottage garden borders. Mass planting this Cranesbill creates a dense, weed-suppressing ground cover that produces a stunning carpet of blue flowers throughout the growing season.
Its manageable size allows this hardy geranium to shine in containers, patio planters, and window boxes where its long bloom period offers enduring appeal. Pair the violet-blue flowers with contrasting textures, such as silvery foliage plants or plants with warmer, yellow-toned blooms for a dynamic partnership.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Genus name comes from the Greek word geranos meaning crane in reference to the fruit which purportedly resembles the head and beak of a crane. ROZANNE is a patented hybrid clump-forming geranium that typically grows in a mound to 20” tall by 24” wide. It is noted for its almost non-stop flowering throughout the growing season; large, 5-petaled, violet-blue flowers (to 2.5” diameter) with purple-violet veins and small white centers bloom profusely from late spring to early summer, generally with continued flowering to fall in the St. Louis climate.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
Potential Problems
This variety of Cranesbill exhibits excellent resilience, generally showing no serious insect or disease problems under proper growing conditions. Gardeners should remain aware of some susceptibility to common fungal issues like leaf spots and rusts, especially in areas with high humidity or poor air circulation. Ensure adequate spacing between plants to promote airflow, reducing the environment favorable for these minor issues.
If leaf spot does appear, improving air movement or applying appropriate fungicides preventatively during wet periods can manage outbreaks. No severe pest infestations are typically noted for Geranium ‘Gerwat’ ROZANNE, contributing significantly to its low-maintenance reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Cranesbill suitable for?
Geranium ‘Gerwat’ ROZANNE performs reliably across USDA Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Geranium ‘Gerwat’ ROZANNE grow?
When mature, this perennial typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet, spreading out to cover an area 1 to 2 feet wide.
When does Cranesbill bloom?
This variety is prized for blooming from May to July, often continuing to flower lighter into the fall, displaying beautiful violet blue flowers with white centers.
What sun exposure does Geranium ‘Gerwat’ ROZANNE need?
It thrives best in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade.
Conclusion
The Geranium ‘Gerwat’ ROZANNE Cranesbill offers unparalleled seasonal performance due to its exceptional heat tolerance and near-continuous flowering habit. Its low maintenance requirements and appealing foliage make it an essential plant for reliable color throughout the long growing season. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 5-8 and plan for its medium water needs during establishment.
Companion Planting
Choosing effective companions for Geranium ‘Gerwat’ ROZANNE involves selecting plants with similar cultural needs regarding sun and moisture. Since this Cranesbill prefers medium water and medium sun/part shade, it pairs beautifully with plants that appreciate dappled light, such as Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra) which offers textural contrast.
For edging designs, consider low-growing creeping thyme or silvery Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) whose finer texture contrasts nicely with the deeply lobed leaves of the geranium. In sunnier spots, plant it near Salvia or Nepeta (Catmint), which share similar drought tolerance once established and offer complementary purple or blue color pallets.
Design Ideas for Continuous Bloom
The near-perpetual flowering of Geranium ‘Gerwat’ ROZANNE ensures that spaces designed around it never look bare during the active season. Use it extensively as a front-of-border perennial, placed slightly forward so its mounding habit softens the edge between the lawn or path and taller background plants.
For a cottage garden feel, allow it to weave slightly into neighboring plants like Shasta Daisies or taller Foxgloves, bridging the transition between different heights. Since this Cranesbill has decent drought tolerance, it works well in mixed dry-shade areas where reliance on heavy supplemental summer irrigation is undesirable.
