Geranium  'Gerwat'
perennial RHS Award

Rozanne Cranesbill

Geranium 'Gerwat'

The Story

Plant Bio

A world-famous hardy geranium celebrated for its exceptionally long bloom time and vigorous, spreading habit. It forms a tidy mound of deeply cut, marbled green foliage.

Rozanne produces an astonishing profusion of 2.5-inch, saucer-shaped, violet-blue flowers with distinctive white eyes, blooming continuously from late spring until the first hard frost, making it one of the longest-blooming perennials available.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesGeranium 'Rozanne' is a garden superstar, providing an unparalleled season of vibrant violet-blue color. Its charming, informal habit allows it to beautifully spill over edges, fill gaps, and complement other plants, creating a lush, cottage-garden feel.
Practical UsesAs a fast-growing groundcover, it effectively suppresses weeds in sunny or lightly shaded areas. Its extreme low-maintenance nature—requiring no deadheading and being resistant to pests—makes it an easy and rewarding choice for any gardener.
Ecological BenefitsThe open, saucer-shaped flowers are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinating insects, providing a continuous and reliable food source from late spring through fall. It is also resistant to deer and rabbits.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

20 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers good air circulation

Lifespan

10+ years

Native To

Garden origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Mid-fall

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In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a spot with full sun or light afternoon shade.
  2. Prepare well-drained soil, adding compost to improve its structure.
  3. Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the plant's container.
  4. Set the plant in the hole so the crown is level with the soil surface.
  5. Fill in the hole, firm the soil gently, and water thoroughly.
  6. Space plants about 24-30 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Pro Tip

In mid-summer, if the plant looks leggy, shear it back by half. It will quickly regrow fresh foliage and flowers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide consistent moisture, especially in full sun and hot weather.
  • Allow it to sprawl and weave through neighboring plants.
  • Give it a mid-season haircut if it starts to look tired.
  • Enjoy the non-stop flowers from spring to frost.

Don't

  • Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
  • Avoid deep shade, which will reduce flowering.
  • Don't worry about deadheading individual flowers; it's not necessary.
  • Do not let it dry out completely for extended periods.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Continuous color for the front of bordersSprawling groundcover or container spillerWeaving through roses and other shrubs

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rozanne Cranesbill questions

What zones can Rozanne Cranesbill grow in?

Rozanne Cranesbill is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Rozanne Cranesbill deer resistant?

Yes — Rozanne Cranesbill is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Rozanne Cranesbill bloom?

Rozanne Cranesbill typically blooms in late spring through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Rozanne Cranesbill need full sun?

Rozanne Cranesbill does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Rozanne 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.