The ‘Rozanne’ Cranesbill is a total showstopper. This attractive hybrid is sterile, meaning it won’t drop seeds or fruit all over your yard. It’s a vigorous grower that loves to scramble up fences, weave through rose bushes, or mingle with smaller perennials. Because it spreads so quickly, it’s perfect for covering bare spots with a fragrant, violet-blue carpet of saucer-shaped flowers. If you’re looking for a groundcover that actually stands out, Rozanne is your girl.
Pruning During the Blooming Season
One of the best things about Rozanne is her long flowering window—from May all the way through late October or early November. To keep those blooms coming, you’ll want to give her a little haircut now and then. Here’s the game plan:
- Snip off any faded or wilted flowers.
- Trim back any stems that are getting a bit too leggy.
- Give the plant a little sip of liquid fertilizer after pruning.
This routine encourages the plant to keep pumping out new buds, effectively stretching the blooming season as long as possible.
Besides being a blooming machine, Rozanne is known for being a fast mover. Those creeping stems can reach up to 60 inches (150 cm) long, and if you aren’t careful, she might try to bully her neighbors! Don’t be afraid to thin her out or cut her back throughout the growing season. Pruning won’t hurt her; in fact, it actually helps the plant grow thicker and more compact. If you have a large area to fill, she’ll cover it in no time, but feel free to chop back any “runaway” stems whenever they get out of line.
Getting Ready for Winter
As fall rolls in, the blooming season for your Cranesbill will eventually wind down. After a busy summer, the plant might look a little floppy or overgrown. This is the perfect time for one last cleanup. Cut those dry stems back to just above ground level to help the plant get through the winter safely.
While many geraniums are tough as nails, Rozanne appreciates a little extra TLC in the winter. She isn’t quite as bulletproof as some other varieties, so give her a light blanket of evergreen branches to protect her from hard frosts. Come spring, just remove the cover and trim away any leftover dead bits. This gives the plant the green light to start fresh with strong, bushy new growth!
