2008 Perennial of the Year

Each year the Perennial Plant Association names a perennial for that year based on the following criterion:

• Suitable for a wide range of climatic conditions
  
• Low maintenance
  
• Pest and disease resistant
  
• Readily available in the year of release
  
• Multiple season of ornamental interest
  
• Easily propagated by asexual or seed propagation

This year's selection is Geranium Rozanne, a lovely violet-blue hardy geranium introduced in 1989 in Somerset, England. Rozanne blooms from mid-Spring until the first frost on sturdy yet delicate stems 20" in height and prefers full sun to partial shade growing conditions.



I was happy to have been given a start of this lovely plant from my friend Chleone's garden last Summer. Although I planted just one small sprig of Rozanne, she was in lush bloom by mid-Spring.



Bluestone Perennials is offering Rozanne at a special price this week, so act quickly!

One thing to note with Rozanne, is that you need to cut it back after flowering. This can be difficult to do since it feels like you are "killing" the plant, but it actually stimulates new growth and more flower production. So, be liberal with those sheers!