Species
Geranium x cantabrigienseCambridge Geranium2 other cultivars
The Story
Plant Bio
A sprawling, clump-forming perennial with deeply-lobed, dark green leaves. It is a vigorous grower often used as a groundcover.
Features abundant, saucer-shaped, violet-blue flowers with pale centers over a long bloom period from late spring to mid-summer. Valued for its vigorous nature and reliability.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Garden origin
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Plant in well-drained soil with partial shade for optimal growth.
- Water deeply once a week during dry periods to keep soil moist.
- Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to rejuvenate and promote healthy growth.
Pro Tip
Use a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall to avoid winter damage
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing in late summer
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Johnson's Blue Cranesbill questions
What zones can Johnson's Blue Cranesbill grow in?
Johnson's Blue Cranesbill is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Johnson's Blue Cranesbill deer resistant?
Yes — Johnson's Blue Cranesbill is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Johnson's Blue Cranesbill bloom?
Johnson's Blue Cranesbill typically blooms in late spring to mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Johnson's Blue Cranesbill need full sun?
Johnson's Blue Cranesbill does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Johnson's Blue Cranesbill drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Johnson's Blue Cranesbill handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Geranium to compare
Bigroot Geranium
Geranium macrorrhizum
Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
Cranesbill 'Rozanne'
Geranium x magnificum 'Rozanne'
Showy Cranesbill
Geranium x magnificum 'Bevan's Variety'
Azure Rush Geranium
Geranium incanum 'Azure Rush'
Cranesbill 'Orion'
Geranium maculatum 'Orion'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Johnson's Blue Cranesbill with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.