Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ (Meadow Cranesbill)

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ after I brought it home on 5-28-24, #994-1.

Hardy Geranium, Meadow Cranesbill

Geranium x pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’

Geranium himalayense x Geranium pratense

him-uh-lay-EN-see (say)  pray-TEN-see (say)

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ on 5-28-24, #994-2.

I finally found several Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ at Wagler Greenhouse on 5-28-24 so I had to bring one home. I had already found a Geranium ‘Boom Chocolatta’ earlier and they both will make a fine addition to the north flower bed. I have has a Geranium sanguineum since the 1980’s and it has always done great.

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ on 5-28-24, #994-3.

Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ was introduced around 1950 after it was selected from seedlings grown by A.T. Johnson. It was introduced by B. Ruys of the Royal Moerheim Nurseries in the Netherlands. Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ is a hybrid between Geranium himalayense and Geranium pratense.

It became instantly popular with English gardens and is well known for its large, saucer-shaped, lavender-blue flowers. 

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ on 5-28-24, #994-4.

USEFUL INFORMATION:
Family: Geraniaceae
Origin: Hybrid from the Netherlands.
Type: Rhizomatous perennial.
Zones: USDA Zones 4-8. Reportedly cold hardy down to -30° F.
Size: 12-14” tall x 24” +/- spread (may take several years).
Light: Sun to part shade. May depend on climate.
Bloom Period: Late spring to early fall.
Soil: Well-drained soil.
Water: Average. Drought tolerant once established. Most plants appreciate supplemental water when it is dry during the summer.
Maintenance: Low. Dead head for repeated bloom.
Uses: Rock gardens, cottage gardens, borders, mass plantings for ground cover, containers.
Attracts bees and butterflies.
Deer and rabbit resistant.

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ on 7-5-24, #1000-12.

Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ is adaptable to a variety of soils, preferring moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Won’t tolerate water logging.

Flexible and adaptable to planting location, north, south, east and west. Although they appreciate full sun in some climates, in areas with hotter summers they would do better with morning sun and afternoon shade. Otherwise, their leaves will burn in the hot sun. Mine is next to the porch at the northeast corner of the house where it gets lots of good morning sun and afternoon shade.

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ on 4-9-25, #1034-5.

Although reasonably drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from consistent moisture. Watering regularly during dry spells, especially newly planted specimens. Water when the top 1-2” of the soil is dry. 

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ on 4-21-25, #1038-13.

Most plants appreciate a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. This supports robust growth and ensures flowering.

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ on 4-29-25, #1039-3.

Once the initial flush of flowers starts to fade (possibly July), cut back the plant by around 1/3. Supposedly, the plant will love it…

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ on 4-29-25, #1039-4.

I know, I took a lot of photos…

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ on 5-22-25, #1045-7.

Although I haven’t had a problem with unwanted guests on my Geraniums, elsewhere they could be an issue. Always keep an eye out for aphids and other suspicious-looking critters.

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ on 5-22-25, #1045-8.

I haven’t had any issues with powdery mildew or rust either, but in some climates they can also be a problem. Various problem occur when it is hot and dry and when it is cool and damp.

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ on 6-1-25, #1049-3.

After a few years, you may notice your clump of Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ has gotten a little larger. Being a rhizomatous perennial, they spread by rhizomes that can easily be separated. This will give you new plants as well as dividing overcrowded older plants. Overcrowded plants can sometimes lead to root rot,

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ on 6-1-25, #1049-4.

NICE! The above photo shows a nice flower Geranium ‘Johnson Blue’ has been noted for and what has made it a favorite for many years.

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ on 6-12-25, #1056-4.

We went through a few periods where there were no flowers, but the next thing I new there were a lot… It actually didn’t bloom that much the first season, but it made up for it in 2025.

Geranium pratense ‘Johnson’s Blue’ on 6-19-25, #1061-4.

The mound measured around 14″ tall x 18-20″ wide while the tip of the tallest flowering stem was 21″ tall on 6-19-25. It was a bit sprawly on one side and I had to hold the flowering stem up to get the measurement.

Sometimes I get busy doing other things and kind of neglect my duties with the flower beds. I have to make sure I plant forgiving plants that will be patient. I had no issues with the Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ and highly recommend you give it a try. If you can’t find them at a local garden center, there are plenty of sources online.

To view my page for Geranium x pratense ‘Boom Chocolatta’, click HERE.

To view the page for Geranium sanguineum (Bloody Cranesbill, click HERE.

There are 2 native Geranium species growing on the farm as well, Geranium carolinianum (Carolina Crane’s Bill) and Geranium pusillum (Small-Flowered Cranesbill), which also have their own pages.

You can also visit my Geraniaceae page for links to all those above plus several Pelargoniums I have grown.

I hope you have enjoyed this page and maybe found it useful. I would appreciate if you could leave a like or a comment. It keeps us bloggers motivated.

There are several links below if you would like further information.

FOR FURTHER READING:
GARDENIA
MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
BLOOMING ADVANTAGE
JOHN CULLEN GARDENS
CONSERVATION GARDEN PARK
SAN MARCOS GROWERS
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
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