Rozanne Cranesbill
Rozanne Cranesbill
The Longest-Blooming Hardy Geranium for Twin Cities Gardens
Rozanne Cranesbill (Geranium 'Rozanne') is the perennial that earned worldwide acclaim for one simple reason: it blooms longer than almost anything else. From June straight through to frost, its sprawling mounds are covered in large violet-blue flowers with pale, white-veined centers. It weaves gracefully through neighboring plants, tolerates heat and drought, and shrugs off deer. A garden classic for sunny beds in Minnetonka, Edina, and Eden Prairie.
Rozanne Cranesbill Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Geranium 'Rozanne' (Gerwat) |
| Mature Size | 18–20 in. tall, 24–28 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 5–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — hardy in most metro gardens; mulch exposed sites) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Bloom Time | June until frost — one of the longest of any perennial |
| Flower Color | Violet-blue with white-veined centers |
| Soil | Adaptable — tolerates clay-loam; prefers decent drainage |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable in zone 5; mulch in exposed zone 4b sites |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits |
Landscape Uses
Long-season border filler: Its scrambling habit weaves between roses, shrubs, and perennials, knitting a bed together with nonstop color. Space 24 inches apart.
Pollinator and deer-resistant gardens: Months of flowers make it a bee and butterfly magnet, while deer leave it untouched. Beautiful with daylilies, coneflowers, and catmint.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) so it establishes well before winter, or in early fall. Since Rozanne is at the cooler edge of its hardiness here, a sheltered, well-drained spot and a winter mulch layer improve survival in exposed gardens.
How to Plant Rozanne Cranesbill
Dig a hole twice the pot's width at the same depth, loosening clay and mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2 inches deep, keeping mulch off the crown. Space 24 inches apart.
Watering Rozanne Cranesbill
First year: Water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Drought- and heat-tolerant — water during extended dry spells only.
Q: Will Rozanne survive a Minnesota winter?
It is hardy to zone 5 and overwinters well in most Twin Cities gardens. In exposed, windswept zone 4b sites, mulch the crown for winter and ensure good drainage.
Q: How long does it really bloom?
From June until hard frost — one of the longest bloom seasons of any perennial, with no deadheading required.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — reliably ignored by deer and rabbits.
Q: Should I cut it back?
A light midsummer shear refreshes the foliage and keeps the mound full if it sprawls.
You May Also Like
Tiny Monster Cranesbill (Geranium): A vigorous magenta partner with similar staying power.
Catmint (Nepeta): Blue spikes and a long season to echo Rozanne's color.
Coneflower (Echinacea): Upright pollinator blooms to rise above the weaving geranium.