For those of us looking for lower-maintenance gardens, it is easy to dismiss this hardy geranium as just another perennial that will need fussing with. To discount it so readily would be to deny yourself one of the best summer performers I have ever grown.

Not all hardy geraniums are equal. Many self-seed prolifically, while others bloom only sporadically after an initial flush. ‘Rozanne’, however, is well behaved in both regards. I have never seen it set seed or spread by runners, and it blooms from early summer until the first hard frost in my Seattle garden.

There are many different ways to use this perennial superstar. As a ground cover, one plant will spread 3 feet, making it an economical option as well as a colorful one. In the rock garden, ‘Rozanne’ would look right at home tumbling over boulders or stone walls. Or take advantage of its scrambling nature and allow it to intermingle with other sun-loving perennials in a garden border. As a container specimen, it would make a dramatic statement spilling out of a tall white or silver pot, and would need no accompaniment.

However you use it, one thing is for sure — you will return to the nursery to buy more. Genevieve Schmidt Botanical name: Geranium ‘Rozanne’
Common name: ‘Rozanne’ cranesbill
USDA zones: 4 to 9 (find your zone)
Water requirement: Average, although in my moisture-retentive soil, it can easily go a full week or more without watering.
Light requirement: Full sun to partial sun
Mature size: 1 foot to 1 1/4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
Benefits: Unlike many summer-blooming perennials, it does not need deadheading.
Seasonal interest: Early summer to late fall
When to plant: Spring or fall
Le jardinet Distinguishing traits. One of the highlights of my summer garden, this hardy geranium is a mass of deep periwinkle flowers all summer long. The bright green foliage has subtle chartreuse marbling, adding to its long-term beauty.

The flowers have deep violet striations leading to a white throat, while purple anthers rise up to tempt passing bees. How to use it. This is one of the most versatile perennials in the summer garden. Although considered a ground cover, it will scramble up low branches and stems of neighboring plants to create some charming associations.

Planted beneath a soft pink rose, ‘Rozanne’ creates an instant summer bouquet. Le jardinet Allow this vigorous beauty to scramble freely between other perennials, such as the Indian gay feather (Gaura lindheimeri) shown here. The crisp contrast of white and blue is always fresh, and the wispy floral display brings an easy-care romantic look to the border. Le jardinet For a different look, play off the purple tints within each flower by pairing it with similarly colored foliage. Concorde barberry (Berberis thundergii 'Concorde') makes a powerful color companion by echoing this unique detail of the geranium. Ginkgo Leaf Studio Like many ground covers, ‘Rozanne’ makes a splendid container specimen, where it can be allowed to tumble at will over the edges.

Or use it as a mass planting to soften the edges of a patio, garden steps or walkway, where it will delight with many months of color. Cathy Carr, APLD Planting notes. Plant hardy geraniums in spring or fall, when the soil is warm and easily worked. They do not need any special fertilizers.

‘Rozanne’ geranium does not need deadheading, but the whole plant can be sheared back to the main crown in midsummer if desired to maintain a more compact habit. Personally, I think this stunning ground cover should be left to do just that — cover the ground.

When the foliage dies down in late fall, trim it away. In warmer areas the foliage is often evergreen.