I've had the white and the pink ones for about 3 yrs. This is the 1st year that one did exactly what you described.I am one zone warmer than you and they have made it through Atlanta hot summers a few times.One is still as fresh looking as ever but the other one is browning out.Both of mine flower for about 10 weeks I would guess. They love to be cut back to freshen them up and they come back really fast. Like alot of geraniums they sure dont like full or even close to full sun. Just in case the bad one doesnt come back I snipped off one plant above ground and rooted it and its doing great. Hope they do come back like your friend says....bobby