Geranium ‘Johnsons Blue’

Description

Geranium ‘Johnsons Blue’ is a much-loved perennial renowned for its lavender-blue flowers and reliable, long flowering season. To help your Geranium ‘Johnsons Blue’ thrive, follow this comprehensive planting and care guide designed to support strong growth, abundant blooms, and long-term garden performance.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

Plant Geranium ‘Johnsons Blue’ in spring or early autumn. These seasons provide ideal soil warmth and moisture levels, allowing the root system to establish well before the main growing period. Planting Geranium ‘Johnsons Blue’ at these times helps ensure healthy early development and vigorous flowering.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Geranium ‘Johnsons Blue’ flourishes in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot that receives several hours of bright light to encourage prolific flowering while maintaining strong foliage.
• Soil: For the best results, plant Geranium ‘Johnsons Blue’ in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Good drainage is essential to prevent root problems and maintain long-term plant health.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth. This gives plenty of room for its roots to grow outward.
2. Soil Preparation: Blend compost or well-rotted organic matter into the soil to boost fertility and drainage—key factors in supporting Geranium ‘Johnsons Blue’.
3. Planting: Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firming lightly to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to help settle the soil and support the initial establishment of your Geranium.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season:
  Water during extended dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering. Geranium ‘Johnsons Blue’ benefits from consistent but moderate moisture levels.
• Dormant Season:
  Reduce watering as growth slows. Only water if the soil becomes very dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to encourage healthy new shoots and maximise the flowering potential.
• Mid-Summer: A light additional feed can help maintain flower production through the height of the season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period and keep Geranium ‘Johnsons Blue’ tidy.
• Cut Back: After the main flowering flush, lightly shear back the foliage to encourage fresh growth. In autumn, cut the plant down to ground level to prepare it for the next season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cool.
• Winter: Mulching helps protect the root system from temperature extremes and supports healthier regrowth the following spring.

Supporting the Plant

Geranium ‘Johnsons Blue’ generally forms a dense, mounding habit and requires no staking. In particularly exposed or windy spots, light support may be beneficial.

Final Tips

Geranium ‘Johnsons Blue’ is a low-maintenance and highly rewarding perennial, ideal for borders, cottage gardens, wildlife planting schemes, and groundcover. By planting in a sunny or lightly shaded position and well-draining soil, you’ll enjoy a generous display of vibrant flowers from late spring through early autumn. With simple care, this Geranium will return year after year, bringing colour and character to your garden.

RHS Details

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