Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' 2 Ltr pot

Planting Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’

Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ is a classic hardy perennial, loved for its clear blue flowers and relaxed, spreading habit. It is ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and ground cover, providing a long-lasting and natural display.

Choosing the right position

• Prefers full sun to partial shade
• Best flowering occurs in a bright, sunny position
• Tolerates light shade, especially in warmer areas
• Ideal for borders, underplanting, and informal planting schemes
• Works well in cottage and wildlife-friendly gardens

Soil requirements

• Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil
• Prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions
• Tolerates a wide range of soil types including clay if improved
• Avoid very dry or waterlogged soils
• Improve soil with compost or organic matter before planting

How to plant

• Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and similar depth
• Position the plant so the crown sits level with the soil surface
• Backfill with soil and firm gently
• Water thoroughly after planting
• Space plants around 40–50cm apart
• Apply a mulch to retain moisture

Planting in containers

• Use a pot with good drainage holes
• Fill with a moisture-retentive, free-draining compost
• Choose a container that allows room for spreading growth
• Water well after planting
• Place in sun or partial shade

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it a reliable garden favourite.

Watering

• Water regularly during the first growing season
• Keep soil moderately moist, especially during dry periods
• Once established, it is fairly drought tolerant
• Container plants require more frequent watering
• Avoid waterlogging

Feeding

• Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring
• Mulch annually with compost or organic matter
• Avoid excessive feeding, which can lead to excessive leafy growth
• Container plants may benefit from occasional liquid feeding

Pruning and deadheading

• Remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming
• Cut back after the first flush of flowers to promote a second display
• Trim back leggy or untidy growth
• Can be cut back hard in midsummer if needed
• Cut back fully in late autumn or early spring

Mulching

• Apply organic mulch in spring
• Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Improves soil structure over time
• Keep mulch away from the crown

Seasonal Care and Common Issues

With proper care, Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ will provide a long season of soft blue colour.

Seasonal performance

• Produces masses of clear blue flowers from late spring into summer
• Often gives a second flush if cut back after flowering
• Forms a spreading clump that can act as ground cover
• Attracts bees and pollinators

Winter care

• Fully hardy and tolerant of cold conditions
• Foliage may die back in winter and regrow in spring
• Cut back old stems before new growth begins
• Mulch in autumn to protect roots

Common problems

• Slugs and snails may damage young growth
• Powdery mildew can occur in dry or crowded conditions
• Plants may become sprawling if not cut back
• Poor flowering may result from too much shade
• Generally pest-resistant once established

Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ is a reliable and attractive perennial that brings soft, natural colour to the garden. Its easy-care nature, spreading habit, and long flowering period make it ideal for borders, ground cover, and informal planting schemes. With a sunny or partially shaded position and simple maintenance, it will thrive and provide a beautiful display year after year.