FYI, 'Dragon Heart' is not a variety of Geranium dalmaticum, so that may be confusing some people reading the subject line and the subsequent message. From what I can tell, it appears to be a hybrid involving a G. psilostemon.

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.

Thanks,

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).

There is a nursery in California that specializes in all types of geraniums and pelargoniums, etc. Their website is Geraniaceae.com. Even if you don't order anything from them, it is a great source of pics and info.

Here is a link that might be useful: geraniums in California

Johnstons Blue only flowers once a year in June. If you are looking for blue flowers why not buy Rozanne? It will flower from June until the first hard frosts

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