GERANIUM 'JOHNSONS BLUE' 3L Rainbow NGPC
Cranesbill
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Supplied as an established plant in a 3 litre pot
Aspect
Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness
Fully hardy
Flowers
Late spring to summer
Soil
Loam, sand, clay, chalk
About this plant
Classic violet-blue blooms, beloved for generations
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Description
Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' is a vigorous, mound-forming hardy geranium producing an abundance of large, saucer-shaped, violet-blue flowers above deeply divided, soft green foliage from late spring into midsummer. One of the most widely grown and best-loved hardy geraniums, it spreads readily to form an effective, weed-suppressing clump that weaves naturally between neighbouring border plants. The foliage takes on attractive russet tones in autumn before dying back for winter. It is an excellent pollinator plant, particularly attractive to bees, and its reliability and ease of growth have made it a staple of UK gardens for decades. -
Why we like it
Specs & details
The particulars
- Botanical name
- GERANIUM 'JOHNSONS BLUE' 3L Rainbow NGPC
- Common name
- Cranesbill
- Supplied as
- 3 litre pot
- Flower colour
- Purple
- Eventual height
- 45–60 cm
- Eventual spread
- 60 cm
- Flowering period
- Late spring to summer
- Habit
- Spreading mound-forming perennial
- Life cycle
- Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Aspect
- Full sun to partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, sand, clay, chalk
- Moisture
- Moist but well-drained to well-drained
- Position
- Front of border, mid-border, ground cover
- Plant spacing
- 3 plants per m²
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
Plant calendar
When to plant, when it performs
Planting & care
Help it thrive
Planting guide
Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' is tolerant of a wide range of soils and aspects, making it one of the most straightforward perennials to establish in almost any UK garden. Plant in spring or early autumn, setting the crown at soil level and spacing plants around 50–60 cm apart to allow for the spreading mature habit. It performs well in sun or partial shade, though flowering is most prolific in a position that receives at least a few hours of direct sun each day. On heavy, waterlogged soils, incorporate grit and compost to improve drainage before planting, though this geranium is more tolerant of difficult conditions than many other perennials. It also grows well in large containers filled with a good loam-based compost.
Care tips
Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' is one of the least demanding border perennials available. Once established it needs little attention beyond an annual cut-back. Unlike some hardy geraniums, it does not reliably produce a strong second flush after a midsummer cut-back, though trimming back tired foliage after flowering will tidy the plant and may encourage some sporadic further flowers. In late autumn or early spring, cut all the stems back to ground level. No regular feeding is required on reasonably fertile soils; an occasional top-dressing of garden compost in spring is sufficient. The plant rarely needs dividing and can be left undisturbed for many years without losing vigour.
Winter care
Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' is fully hardy and requires no winter protection anywhere in the UK. The plant dies back to ground level after the first frosts. Cut back all the old stems and foliage to ground level in late autumn or early spring, whichever is more convenient. No division is necessary unless you wish to propagate or rejuvenate an old clump, as established plants generally perform well left undisturbed for many years.