The Low-Maintenance Purple Perennial That Thrives When Grown In Pots

It doesn't matter whether you rent or own, if you want to brighten up a deck or balcony, flowers and shrubs in containers can be a really nice addition. Container gardens are flexible and fun, allowing you to move the pots around when needed, create interest in a small space, and maintain your own slice of nature wherever you live. However, when growing plants in pots, it is essential to choose varieties that thrive in these conditions. Some plants may feel too restricted in containers, while others do well. One beautiful low-maintenance perennial that you can grow in a container is the Rozanne geranium (Geranium 'Rozanne'). 

With its stunning purple flowers and its clump-forming habit, the Rozanne geranium makes a real impact. Although it is only a small plant, reaching 1.5 feet tall with a spread of 2 feet, it's covered in delicate violet blooms in late spring, which often continue well into the summer months. In cooler climates, the Rozanne geranium is known to hold its blooms into the fall, bringing life and color when other flowers have turned. When the weather cools, the plant's foliage turns a beautiful red-bronze hue before dying back, adding new, interesting shades to your container garden. 

Rozanne geranium grows happily in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8, thriving in both full sun and partial shade. It usually flowers best in full sun, but afternoon shade is recommended in the hotter zones. Keep an eye on your Rozanne geraniums throughout the seasons, and move the pot if the flowers are suffering from overexposure to the sun. 

When choosing a plant pot for your Rozanne geranium, ensure it is large enough to support it as it grows over the years. Because these flowers spread 2 feet, the pot needs to be at least that wide. Only place one Rozanne geranium plant in the container to avoid competition for space and nutrients. Ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom and use organic soil. Water the plant regularly to keep it moist as it establishes itself. Once it has settled in, Rozanne geraniums are somewhat tolerant of drought. 

As the seasons go on, your Rozanne geranium won't need a lot of help from you. You may want to remove overflowing stems to control their spread and cut off old leaves and flowers to encourage new growth. If the flowers fade because of a hot summer, you can encourage a rebloom by cutting the plant back.