Johnson's Blue Geranium
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking deer-resistant, vibrant blue blooms.
Discover the legendary Johnson's Blue Geranium, a national favorite celebrated for its striking, large blue flowers and tidy growth habit. Reaching about 16 inches tall, this perennial, also known as Crane's Bill, provides a long bloom period from late spring into early summer. It thrives in Zones 4-8, is exceptionally easy to grow with low maintenance, and offers excellent resistance to deer and rabbits. Shipped as a bare root in the spring, it's a dependable and beautiful addition to any garden landscape, perfect for adding vibrant color.
$10.65
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1692
/ 3066
#1692 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-61%
Below average
Zones
48
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking long-lasting seasonal color
- Homeowners in varied climates needing reliable perennials
- Busy gardeners wanting low-maintenance, pest-resistant plants
Who should skip it
- Minimalists managing small or tightly controlled garden beds
- Gardeners in arid regions without consistent irrigation access
- Perfectionists prioritizing pristine foliage throughout the entire summer
Performance breakdown
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits without requiring chemical intervention.
Maintenance Effort
A low-fuss perennial that thrives with minimal attention from gardeners.
Visual Impact
Striking blue blooms provide a high-contrast pop for garden borders.
Growth Versatility
Adapts well to both container planting and traditional landscape beds.
Environmental Tolerance
Handles dry spells well once established in well-drained soil.
Establishment Ease
Bare root shipping requires careful initial planting for optimal success.
Key Specs
Zones
4-8
Bloom Time
Late spring to early summer
Mature Height
15-18 inches tall
Mature Spread
18-24 inches wide
Flower Size
2 inches
Planting Depth
Top of root 1 inch below soil surface
Soil Type
Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy Soil
Ships As
Bare Root
Features
- Legendary clear blue flower color
- Long-lasting bloom period
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Easy to grow and maintain
- Suitable for containers
- Tolerates dry conditions
- Compact growth habit
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise Johnson's Blue Geranium for its exceptional vigor, hardiness, and stunning true blue blooms, a rare color in gardens. Reviewers confirm it establishes quickly, forming dense, attractive groundcover with a long blooming period well into summer. Its reliability across various zones is highly valued by experienced gardeners. While some initial disappointment exists regarding the small size of the bare roots or plugs upon arrival, feedback consistently shows the plants exhibit rapid, robust growth, quickly surpassing expectations. The long-term quality and performance confirm this perennial is a worthwhile investment for reliable, beautiful color.
Know before you buy
Plant your bare root in well-drained soil so that the top of the root is exactly one inch below the soil surface. Ensure the area receives full to partial sun for the best results.
Yes, Johnson's Blue Geranium is known for being resistant to both deer and rabbits. It is a reliable choice for landscapes where these animals are common visitors.
Absolutely. Its compact growth habit and 15-18 inch height make it well-suited for containers, provided the pot has good drainage.
Since this perennial reaches a mature spread of 18 to 24 inches, you should space them about two feet apart to allow for proper airflow and growth.
It has moderate water requirements and is capable of tolerating dry conditions once it has settled into your garden. Aim for consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogged soil.
You can expect a long-lasting display of two-inch blue flowers starting in late spring and continuing into early summer. It is a perennial, so it will return each year within its hardiness zones.
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$11