Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' was the first violet-blue true geranium to win our hearts. Then a second hybrid, G. 'Brookside', a little more generous with its blooms, came along and stole its place. Now a third blue geranium is likely to replace both in our affections. The new hybrid is 'Rozanne', introduced by Blooms of Bressingham; it will be widely available this spring.

'Rozanne' produces large (1½-in.) violet-blue flowers and lots of them, says Tim Fross of Native Sons, a wholesale nursery in San Luis Obispo, California, that grows the plant. Fross also notes that the new hybrid has better heat tolerance than either of its predecessors. Though vigorous―it will spread to 3 feet in the first year―Rozanne' is well behaved; it doesn't send out runners the way many true geraniums do.

Along the coast, plant 'Rozanne' in full sun or light shade; inland, protect from afternoon sun. Keep soil moist.