{"product_id":"geranium-johnsons-blue-copy-1","title":"Geranium 'Boom Chocolatta'","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"0\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eGeranium pratense\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003e'Boom Chocolatta'\u003c\/em\u003e: Dark Foliage with a Brilliant Blue Spark\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eGeranium pratense\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003e'Boom Chocolatta'\u003c\/em\u003e brings dramatic contrast to the perennial border with deeply divided, dark bronze foliage crowned by luminous blue-purple flowers. Its vigorous, upright mound develops into a substantial garden presence, offering rich colour even before the first buds open. The saucer-shaped blooms appear from late spring into summer, drawing bees above the dusky leaves. Easy to grow and naturally resistant to deer and rabbits, it delivers the polished look of a foliage plant with the added pleasure of a generous floral display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 61–66 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 71–76 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright blue-purple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering Period:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late spring through summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deeply lobed, dark bronze foliage forming a dense mound\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Average to fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUses and Benefits:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003e'Boom Chocolatta'\u003c\/em\u003e is especially effective in mixed borders, cottage gardens, pollinator plantings, massed drifts, and large containers. Its chocolate-bronze foliage creates a strong backdrop for silver, chartreuse, and fresh green companions, while the blue-purple flowers add a cool flash of colour in early summer. The broad, dense habit covers the ground well and helps knit neighbouring perennials into a cohesive planting. Bees visit the flowers readily, while deer and rabbits generally leave the aromatic, textured foliage alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompanion Plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pair \u003cem\u003eGeranium pratense\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003e'Boom Chocolatta'\u003c\/em\u003e with \u003cem\u003eSalvia nemorosa\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003e'Caradonna'\u003c\/em\u003e for upright violet spires that echo its blue-purple flowers. Add \u003cem\u003eAmsonia tabernaemontana\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003e'Storm Cloud'\u003c\/em\u003e for airy blue spring blooms and fine-textured foliage, then introduce \u003cem\u003ePanicum virgatum\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003e'Northwind'\u003c\/em\u003e to provide a tall, architectural framework and golden autumn colour behind the dark geranium mound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Instructions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant in full sun or partial shade, providing afternoon shade where summers are particularly hot. Grow in well-drained soil and water regularly during establishment; mature plants tolerate brief dry periods but perform best with moderate, even moisture. Apply compost or a light balanced fertilizer in spring, avoiding excessive feeding. Shear the plant after its main flowering flush if the foliage becomes untidy, encouraging fresh growth and possible rebloom. Divide established clumps every three to four years in spring or early autumn to maintain vigour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGeranium\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003e'Boom Chocolatta'\u003c\/em\u003e was developed by noted perennial breeder Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan. The original cross was made in 2012, and the seedling was selected in 2014 for its vigorous habit, unusually dark foliage, and abundant blue-purple flowers. After several years of evaluation, it was introduced through the Proven Winners® perennial program and received United States Plant Patent PP32,026 in 2020.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Thoughts:\u003c\/strong\u003e With foliage as rich as dark chocolate and flowers as vivid as a summer sky, \u003cem\u003e'Boom Chocolatta'\u003c\/em\u003e gives perennial borders depth, energy, and season-long distinction. It is a dependable statement plant that never needs to shout to command attention.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Perennials","offers":[{"title":"1 Gallon Pot \/ Blue-purple \/ 4","offer_id":51574683664662,"sku":"GERABOC01","price":39.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/5366\/4534\/files\/BOOM.png?v=1784299635","url":"https:\/\/blacksheepperennials.com\/products\/geranium-johnsons-blue-copy-1","provider":"Black Sheep Perennials","version":"1.0","type":"link"}