Cranesbill (Geranium 'Azure Rush')

Overview

Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ is a superior herbaceous perennial variety prized for its non-stop flowering display and neat, compact habit. This specific Cranesbill is a sport of ‘Rozanne,’ offering gardeners a tidier mounding shape ideal for defined borders and mass plantings throughout the growing season. Its beautiful, light blue flowers, accented by fine red-purple venation, provide season-long color interest from late spring until the first hard frost.

This variety of Cranesbill thrives in average, well-drained soils, preferring consistent moisture but developing some drought tolerance once established. Gardeners will appreciate the low maintenance commitment required by Geranium ‘Azure Rush’, as serious pest or disease issues are uncommon. It serves as an excellent structural element, bridging the gap between formal edging and naturalized garden areas.

The manageable size of Geranium ‘Azure Rush’—reaching just 1 to 1.5 feet tall and spreading up to 2.5 feet wide—makes it versatile for various landscape roles. Its long bloom time, particularly encouraging a mid-summer resurgence with a simple trim, ensures continuous visual appeal, solidifying its place as a reliable garden workhorse.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Geraniaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 2-2.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May to frost
• Bloom Description: Light blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ cranesbill during the spring or fall when temperatures are mild. Ensure the planting location offers average soil texture that drains well; while it tolerates average conditions, it thrives best in moist, organically rich soil. Full sun encourages the most prolific flowering, though afternoon shade is beneficial for plants located in the hottest summer climates.

Water consistently, especially during establishment, aiming for medium moisture levels. Established plants possess some drought tolerance, but performance peaks with regular watering during dry spells. Fertilization is rarely necessary; enrich the soil with compost at planting time, and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage production at the expense of blooms.

Pruning is key to maximizing the bloom period of Geranium ‘Azure Rush’. If the primary flush of flowers slows down during the peak of summer heat, cut the plants back aggressively to rejuvenate their shape and encourage a strong rebloom that lasts into the fall. In general, side stems can be trimmed anytime to maintain preferred borders or pathways.

In northern climates, this Cranesbill typically maintains good continuous bloom throughout the summer without requiring intense mid-season revitalization. For Southern gardeners, incorporating afternoon shade helps the plant manage higher temperatures, ensuring the lighter bloom cycle continues uninterrupted well into autumn.

Landscape Uses

The compact, mounding structure makes Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ an ideal choice for defining the edges of garden beds. It performs beautifully when massed together to create a flowing ground cover effect, softening hardscape lines in woodland settings or rock gardens. Its reliable bloom pattern ensures cottage gardens always have a touch of cool blue color.

Consider planting Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ alongside spring-blooming bulbs whose foliage fades before the Cranesbill reaches its mature size; the perennial will effectively screen the dying leaves. Its vibrant blue contrasts nicely with warm-toned flowers like yellow coneflowers or oranges, making it a strong addition to mixed perennial borders.

Containers benefit greatly from the long-season performance of this variety. Used as a spiller or a mid-level filler, the Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ keeps pots looking fresh long after many annuals have faded. Its deer and rabbit resistance further enhances its value when used in visible, accessible garden areas.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ is noteworthy as a compact, low-growing sport derived from the popular hybrid ‘Rozanne’. It features a tighter, mounding habit compared to its predecessor and displays 2 1/2 inch wide, vivid light blue flowers with distinct red-purple venation. Unlike some cultivars, this Cranesbill matures quickly and reliably blooms from late May right up until the first frost without requiring a cold vernalization period.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ is generally recognized for its robust health and lack of serious insect or disease interference in the garden. However, in periods of high humidity or if air circulation is restricted, the plant can occasionally show slight susceptibility to common fungal issues like leaf spots or rusts. Ensure proper spacing when planting to promote good airflow around the foliage. If spots appear, promptly remove the affected leaves and maintain consistent watering at the base rather than overhead to minimize moisture buildup on the leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Cranesbill suitable for?

Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ is generally suitable for planting in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.

How large does Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ grow?

This Cranesbill typically reaches a mature height between 1 and 1.5 feet tall, spreading outward to a width of 2 to 2.5 feet.

When does Cranesbill bloom?

Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ provides an extended bloom time, starting in May and continuing consistently until frost, featuring light blue flowers.

What sun exposure does Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ need?

This variety performs well in full sun, but gardeners in hot summer regions should opt for a location giving it some part afternoon shade for the best seasonal performance.

Conclusion

The enduring beauty and low-maintenance profile make Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ an indispensable garden plant, offering vibrant, light blue color that lasts nearly six months. This reliable Cranesbill variety brings garden structure and continuous aesthetic value to beds and containers alike. Check your local hardiness zone compatibility and plan to incorporate this excellent perennial into your planting scheme this spring.

Companion Planting

When planning garden beds around Geranium ‘Azure Rush’, focus on plants that share similar light and moisture needs but offer contrasting foliage or bloom colors. Hostas, especially variegated or yellow-leaved varieties, contrast beautifully with the blue flowers and appreciate the same partial shade requirements common in hotter zones. For sunny borders, pair this Cranesbill with silvery foliage like Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina) or Shasta Daisies to create a balanced visual texture.

In cottage garden designs, allow taller plants like Ornamental Grasses or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) to tower over the mounding Cranesbill. Since ‘Azure Rush’ fills space effectively, it also works well to suppress weeds near the base of established shrubs, provided the shrub roots do not overly compete for moisture during dry periods.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring clean-up for Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ involves cutting back the old, dead foliage close to the ground just as new growth begins to emerge. This early action tidies the plant and encourages fresh, vigorous stems. Throughout the prime growing season from late spring to early summer, monitor moisture levels—keep the soil medium damp but not soggy.

Mid-summer attention revolves around performance management. If the bloom temporarily pauses during the hottest weather, execute a renovation cut, shearing the plants back by one-third to one-half their size. This pruning trick stimulates fresh rooting and initiates a second, often prolonged, flush of light blue flowers extending into the fall season.

Winter preparation for this hardy Cranesbill is minimal in Zones 5-8; remove spent stems after the foliage dies back naturally or simply leave them for winter interest and protection. No significant mulch or heavy covering is required beyond standard care for other herbaceous perennials in your region.