André Muller/Getty Images
Not all plants win awards, which is why those that do stand out. They withstand the test of time, remaining mainstays in our cultural conscience long after they are honored. None reflect this better than the hardy geranium Rozanne (geranium ‘Gerwat’), a stunning bloomer that needs little maintenance to thrive. This variety made headlines in 2013 when it won the award as the Royal Horticultural Society’s plant of the centenary against nine other plants. Voters online and in person declared it the winner, as both growers and plant lovers alike agreed that it’s a knockout geranium you should plant in your garden. It blooms all summer long, with large purple flowers that have white centers. Below the blooms sprout green, lobed leaves that reach around 2 feet tall. Rozanne’s mounding, wide habit makes it perfect for a range of applications, from borders to beds and containers.
Though its accolades came more than a decade ago, Rozanne still grows in gardens of the current day. Many nurseries and garden centers carry it, as there is a high demand for the lovely perennial. Fear not if you struggle to find it locally, as you can source plants online from specialty growers. If a neighbor has a plant, simply ask them for a cutting of the stem. The plant propagates well in spring, especially with bottom heat from a seedling heat mat. Simply stick some softwood cuttings in pots with soil, keep the soil moist, and place the pots on a heat mat until roots form. Once roots form throughout the pots, transplant the cuttings into your home garden during the growing season.
Encourage Rozanne to look its best in your yard
Joe Kuis/Shutterstock
Rozanne is low maintenance, but that doesn’t mean the plant is no maintenance! A bit of work ensures your perennial will look its best when it blooms. For starters, you want to ensure you pick the best spot in the garden for the plant. It’ll grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8. Give it average garden soil with medium fertility and avoid soggy soils with little drainage. Gardens with waterlogged soil may be better suited for having Rozanne in containers or raised beds.
For the best growth, grant your geranium full sun or partial shade. It prefers a bright, sunny spot with more than three hours of daily direct sunlight. The exception is for growers in hot regions with heat waves during the summer. You’ll want to give the perennial afternoon shade during the hottest hours and let it bask in the sun in the morning or during midday.
This single maintenance tip will ensure your geranium Rozanne blooms readily this year. Some growers report issues with it lacking blooms or having floppy foliage at the expense of flowers. If you find yourself facing similar issues, try cutting back the plants in late fall. This will encourage lush, even growth next spring when the plant sprouts anew. Pair pruning with this clever TikTok hack to give your floppy geraniums extra support.
Comments are closed.