Perennial Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' (Geranium) - perennial groundcover - 11 cm pot - Height 25 cm

The 'Johnson's Blue' hardy geranium (Geranium) is one of the longest-flowering perennials: it blooms from May through September, providing nearly five months of continuous colour in the garden. Its blue-purple flowers, held in delicate cups, follow one another in successive waves throughout the summer. A light pruning in July, after the first peak of flowering, stimulates a second, even more generous wave in August and September. This floral longevity is a major asset for perennial borders that aim to maintain uninterrupted colour.

Yes, the 'Johnson's Blue' geranium is a fully hardy perennial, capable of withstanding winter temperatures of -20°C and below without any protection. As a deciduous perennial, its foliage naturally disappears in 'autumn, but its roots remain perfectly alive in the soil. As soon as mild temperatures return in spring, new shoots emerge spontaneously and the plant quickly regains its spreading habit. This hardiness makes the 'Johnson's Blue' geranium an ideal perennial for all regions of France, including mountainous areas with harsh winters.

Johnson 'Blue' geranium ' is 'one of the best perennial ground covers available for temperate gardens. Its naturally spreading habit and rapid growth allow it to effectively cover the ground in one or two seasons, thus limiting the development of weeds without chemical intervention. It is particularly effective at the foot of shrubs, along the edge of flower beds, or for covering long slopes. Its stems intertwine and form a dense mat that maintains soil 'moisture while offering a spectacular blue-purple bloom. For an even cover, space the plants 40 to 50 cm apart.

The 'Johnson's Blue' geranium thrives in full sun, where its flowering is most abundant and prolonged. However, it can tolerate light partial shade, for example under a lightly wooded canopy or in the 'shade cast by a'wall facing east, although the flower density 'will be reduced. On the other hand, 'deep and permanent shade should be avoided: the plant 'becomes leggy, flowers poorly and loses its natural vigor. For south-facing or west-facing beds in full sun, 'it is a particularly well-suited perennial that also withstands summer heat very well.

At maturity, the 'Johnson'son' Blue reaches a height of 30 to 40 cm and spreads 60 to 80 cm wide per plant, depending on growing conditions. Its growth is considered fast: by the second year in the ground, it fully occupies its space and begins to form a dense ground cover. When planting, allow a spacing of approximately 40 to 50 cm between each plant so that the clumps join together harmoniously without competing. If you want an immediate mass effect, opt for a larger batch of plants and slightly reduce the spacing to 35 cm.

The easiest way to propagate 'Johnson's Blue' is by dividing the clump, preferably in spring or in 'autumn. Simply dig up the mature clump and divide it by hand or with a spade into several sections, each containing a few roots and visible buds. These pieces can be replanted immediately and root quickly. Propagation by seed is possible, but 'Johnson's Blue' is often a hybrid whose seedlings do not faithfully reproduce the characteristics of the parent cultivar; division therefore remains the recommended method to preserve all its ornamental qualities.

The 'Johnson's Blue' geranium is a perennial particularly appreciated by pollinators thanks to its nectar- and pollen-rich blue-purple flowers. Honeybees and wild bees forage on it abundantly throughout the 'summer, from May to September. Butterflies, especially whites and tortoiseshells, are also regular visitors. By planting the 'Johnson's Blue' geranium in your garden, you directly contribute to supporting local biodiversity and maintaining a healthy pollinator ecosystem.