Great Design Plant: 'Rozanne' Cranesbill — A Perennial Superstar for Low-Maintenance Gardens

For lower-maintenance gardens, it's easy to dismiss this hardy geranium as just another fussy perennial. That would deny you one of the best summer performers I've ever grown.

Not all hardy geraniums are equal. Many self-seed prolifically or bloom sporadically after an initial flush. 'Rozanne' is well-behaved in both regards. I've never seen it set seed or spread by runners, and it blooms from early summer until first hard frost in my Seattle garden.

Many ways to use this superstar: as ground cover (one plant spreads 3 feet — economical and colorful), in rock gardens tumbling over boulders or stone walls, intermingling with sun-loving perennials in borders, or as a container specimen spilling from a tall white or silver pot, needing no accompaniment. However you use it, you'll return to the nursery for more.

Genevieve Schmidt

Quick Facts

• Botanical name: Geranium 'Rozanne'
• Common name: 'Rozanne' cranesbill
• USDA zones: 4–9
• Water: Average; in moisture-retentive soil, can go a full week+ without watering
• Light: Full sun to partial sun
• Mature size: 1–1¼ feet tall, 3 feet wide
• Benefits: Unlike many summer perennials, needs no deadheading
• Seasonal interest: Early summer to late fall
• When to plant: Spring or fall

Le jardinet

Distinguishing Traits

A highlight of my summer garden: mass of deep periwinkle flowers all summer. Bright green foliage with subtle chartreuse marbling adds long-term beauty. Flowers have deep violet striations leading to a white throat, purple anthers tempting bees.

How to Use It

One of the most versatile summer perennials. Though a ground cover, it scrambles up low branches of neighbors for charming associations.

Planted beneath a soft pink rose, creates an instant summer bouquet.

Le jardinet

Allow it to scramble freely between perennials like Indian gay feather (Gaura lindheimeri). Crisp white-blue contrast is always fresh; wispy floral display brings easy-care romance to the border.

Le jardinet

For a different look, play off purple tints within each flower by pairing with similarly colored foliage. Concorde barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Concorde') makes a powerful color companion echoing this unique detail.

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

Like many ground covers, 'Rozanne' makes a splendid container specimen, tumbling at will over edges. Or use as mass planting to soften patio edges, garden steps, or walkways for months of color.

Cathy Carr, APLD

Planting Notes

Plant hardy geraniums in spring or fall when soil is warm and workable. No special fertilizers needed. 'Rozanne' doesn't need deadheading, but can be sheared back to main crown in midsummer for a more compact habit. Personally, I think this stunning ground cover should be left to do just that — cover the ground. When foliage dies in late fall, trim away. In warmer areas, foliage is often evergreen.