I planted a border last spring and I selected Geranium dalmaticum 'Dragon Heart' as a rose companion plant. It did grow well and produced some flowers in early spring but none since (it seems to be resting). Also, the flowers were smaller than expected and seemed to wither after a couple of days even though there is protection from afternoon sun.

I hate to remove plants but I'm thinking of changing over to the old standby, Johnsons blue. I have gotten pictures of Johnsons from people in the rose forum (because I asked about rose companion flowers) that were quite impressive in front of a pink rose.

Would Johnsons Blue be the better performer?

Thanks

In any case, I'm not sure how Geraniums do generally in California. Up here, both 'Dragon Heart' and 'Johnson's Blue' are ideal Rose companions, although in the case of the latter, I would prefer to grow one of the newer versions such as 'Orion' (larger flowers).

What has your summer been like so far? I have found that most bloom less during periods of drought and/or extreme heat.

Finally, I would suggest posting this question in the Perennials forum. I am sure you will get more responses, hopefully from someone in CA.

Our summer has been very mild and where I live I'm more of a zone 8 than 9 because of a marine influence.

I read somewhere that hardy geraniums will tend to put more energy into root growth the first year so I'll give them another chance.

Thanks for the info on Orion - that's exactly the type of info I look for that's hard to find.

I buy a lot of my plants from Park seed and while prices are low they tend to hype their plants (and as you pointed out they miss-classified it as well).

Be aware the three plants are sold as Johnstons Blue. The real one, x Magnificum and himalayense