Troubleshooting
Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' problems — and how to fix them
Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' (Geranium 'Johnson's Blue') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Mid-summer flop and tiredness
After the first flush the clump can sprawl and look spent. Shear the whole plant back hard to encourage fresh foliage and a second flush of bloom.
Powdery mildew
A white coating appears in humid, crowded conditions. Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering and cut back affected growth.
Reduced flowering in shade
Too little sun gives fewer blooms and lax stems. Site it in full sun to part shade for the best flower display.
Sterile, so no seedlings
Being a sterile hybrid it sets no viable seed; spread it instead by division rather than expecting it to self-sow.
Prevent geranium 'johnson's blue' problems before they start
Most geranium 'johnson's blue' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for geranium 'johnson's blue' in general rather than its problems? Read the full geranium 'johnson's blue' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' problems — FAQ
Why is my geranium 'johnson's blue' mid-summer flop and tiredness?
After the first flush the clump can sprawl and look spent. Shear the whole plant back hard to encourage fresh foliage and a second flush of bloom.
Why is my geranium 'johnson's blue' powdery mildew?
A white coating appears in humid, crowded conditions. Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering and cut back affected growth.
Why is my geranium 'johnson's blue' reduced flowering in shade?
Too little sun gives fewer blooms and lax stems. Site it in full sun to part shade for the best flower display.
Why is my geranium 'johnson's blue' sterile, so no seedlings?
Being a sterile hybrid it sets no viable seed; spread it instead by division rather than expecting it to self-sow.