Rozanne Geranium Geranium Rozanne = 'Gerwat' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Geranium Rozanne, commonly known as the Rozanne Cranesbill, is admired for its striking appearance. It boasts a profusion of large, saucer-shaped flowers with violet-blue petals, each distinguished by delicate pale blue veins and a white center that give it a distinctive, vibrant look. The flowers provide a long-lasting display that brightens gardens through a considerable portion of the year. The foliage of the Rozanne Cranesbill further adds to its charm with deeply lobed leaves that are lightly marbled with chartreuse and take on attractive reddish hues as cooler temperatures arrive. Its rounded leaves remain luscious, creating a lush backdrop for the blossoms. The plant has a mounded habit, with stems that may sprawl gracefully over the ground or any supporting structures nearby, adding to its versatile and appealing garden presence.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Rozanne Cranesbill, Geranium 'Gerwat', Rozanne Geranium, Hardy Geranium 'Rozanne'.
Common names
Geranium 'Rozanne', Geranium 'Gerwat'.
- Toxicity
To humans
The Rozanne geranium, commonly referred to as 'Gerwat', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It does not contain any known toxic substances that would pose a risk if ingested. However, like with any plant material, individuals may have varying sensitivities and allergic reactions can occur in rare cases. If any part of the plant is ingested and adverse symptoms occur, it is advised to seek medical attention.
To pets
The Rozanne geranium or 'Gerwat' is not known to be toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. It should not cause any serious health problems if pets ingest parts of this plant. Nonetheless, it's always possible for individual animals to have a unique reaction or sensitivity, so if a pet appears unwell after consuming the plant, one should consult a veterinarian. Symptoms of plant allergies or sensitivities in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or skin irritation.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet-blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Eastern Mediterranean
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Long Flowering Season: Geranium Rozanne blooms profusely from late spring until frost, providing continuous color in the garden.
- Easy Care: This hardy perennial requires minimal maintenance and is tolerant of a variety of soil conditions.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Drought Resistant: Once established, Geranium Rozanne is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Ground Cover: The plant's spreading habit helps suppress weeds and cover bare spots in the garden.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for borders, containers, and as underplanting for shrubs and roses, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Cold Hardy: Geranium Rozanne can withstand cold temperatures, making it a suitable perennial for many climates.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The plant is generally unpalatable to deer and rabbits, reducing the likelihood of damage from these animals.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Companion plant for vegetable gardens: Geranium Rozanne can be used between vegetable rows where its foliage helps suppress weeds and its flowers attract pollinators.
- Floral arrangements: The bright blue flowers can be cut and added to bouquets for a pop of color and to bring a cottage garden feel to floral designs.
- Natural dye: The petals of Geranium Rozanne can be used to make a natural dye for fabrics or paper, yielding subtle shades of blue and purple.
- Photography subject: Gardeners and photographers often use the vibrant blooms and foliage as a beautiful subject for macro photography and nature-inspired art.
- Educational tool: Schools and educational programs can use Geranium Rozanne to teach children about the lifecycle of plants and how to care for a garden.
- Creative crafts: The flowers and leaves can be pressed and used in craft projects such as making bookmarks or decorating homemade greeting cards.
- Natural ground cover: Instead of using mulch, planting Geranium Rozanne can provide a living ground cover that helps retain soil moisture and adds aesthetic value.
- Garden borders: The mounding habit and continuous bloom make it an excellent plant for creating defined edges along garden beds or pathways.
- Green roof gardening: Due to its hardiness and low maintenance, Geranium Rozanne can be used in green roof installations to provide coverage and visual appeal.
- Erosion control: On slopes or areas prone to erosion, planting Geranium Rozanne can help stabilize the soil due to its extensive root system.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Unity and True Friendship: The Geranium Rozanne is often associated with unity and true friendship, as it is a hardy plant that can thrive in various conditions, symbolizing the strength and endurance of true friendships through different phases of life.
- Unexpected Meeting: With its spontaneous and extended blooming season, the Geranium Rozanne can symbolize an unexpected but pleasant meeting or an unforeseen positive event.
- Happiness: The bright and long-lasting flowers of the Geranium Rozanne convey a message of happiness and joy, reflecting the cheerful nature of this perennial.
- Good Health: In traditional plant symbolism, geraniums are often related to overall wellness and the Geranium Rozanne, with its robust nature and growth, likewise signifies good health and vigor.
- Water
The Rozanne Geranium, commonly known as the Hardy Geranium or Cranesbill, should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In hotter climates or during dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. When watering, use roughly one gallon of water per plant, ensuring you moisten the soil thoroughly at the root level. During the winter months or in cooler climates, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on the soil moisture level.
- Light
Rozanne Geranium, also known as Hardy Geranium, thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant would be an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily, although it can tolerate some afternoon shade. Avoid deep shade as it will inhibit flowering and can lead to leggy growth.
- Temperature
Hardy Geraniums, including the Rozanne variety, perform well in a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer a moderate climate with temperatures consistently between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
- Pruning
Pruning the Rozanne Geranium, or Hardy Geranium, encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong flowering. In late autumn or early spring, cut back the entire plant to a few inches above the ground to promote fresh, healthy growth. The best time for major pruning is in early spring before new growth begins.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Rozanne Geranium thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mixture of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or coconut coir, and one part perlite or sand provides an ideal growing medium. Adjust the pH to a slightly acidic to neutral range, around 5.8 to 7.0, for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Rozanne Geraniums typically do not need to be repotted frequently; every 2 to 3 years is sufficient. Check for signs of the plant outgrowing its pot, such as roots circling the bottom or emerging from the drainage holes, and repot in early spring if necessary.
- Humidity & Misting
Rozanne Geraniums are adaptable to a range of humidity levels but prefer moderate humidity. Excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases, so ensuring good air circulation around the plant is key. Average room humidity is suitable for indoor cultivation.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, fertile soil, and prune to encourage bushiness.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
- Life cycle
The Geranium Rozanne, also known as the Cranesbill 'Rozanne', begins its life as a seed, which when sown, germinates to produce a small seedling. These seedlings grow into vegetative plants, characterized by their lush, mound-shaped foliage and, eventually, stems elongate, and flower buds develop. The plant reaches full bloom in late spring to early summer, showcasing striking blue-violet flowers with white centers that repeatedly bloom until the first frost of fall. As a perennial, after the blooming period, the above-ground growth dies back, and the plant enters a dormant phase during winter. In the subsequent spring, the plant re-emerges from its rootstock to begin a new growth cycle. The Geranium Rozanne can also be propagated by division, wherein sections of the root system are split and replanted to start new plants.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
Geranium Rozanne, also known as Rozanne Cranesbill, can be most effectively propagated through division, which is recommended to be done in the early spring or fall. To propagate by division, gently lift the entire plant from the ground using a garden fork, ensuring a large amount of root and soil is kept intact with the clump. Next, using a sharp knife or spade, slice through the root ball to create several smaller sections, each with a fair amount of roots and shoots. These sections can then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing at, spaced approximately 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations. This method stimulates rejuvenation of the parent plant while increasing the number of plants in your garden.