Geranium himalayense 'Alpinum' or 'Gravetye' (Crane's Bill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium himalayense 'Alpinum' or 'Gravetye' is a mound-forming or spreading perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic foliage. Geranium himalayense 'Alpinum' or 'Gravetye' grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7. It is native to West Himalaya, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Tibet and Uzbekistan.

About

Geranium himalayense 'Alpinum' or 'Gravetye' is a perennial geranium with a mound-forming or spreading habit and rounded, palmately lobed leaves that are often aromatic. It flowers in the UK from June to September. The foliage may be deciduous or semi‑evergreen depending on site. It suits full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium himalayense

About the genus

Geranium is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums, hardy geraniums, or cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, with the greatest diversity in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region.

Wikipedia contributors, "Geranium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium

In the garden

Geranium himalayense 'Alpinum' or 'Gravetye' is a perennial in the Geraniaceae native to the West Himalaya and neighbouring mountain regions. Its growth habit is mound-forming or spreading, with rounded, palmately lobed leaves that can be deciduous or remain semi‑evergreen in milder winters. Flowering runs from June to September. Plant it in full sun to partial shade where soils are well drained but not bone dry; it accepts loam, chalk, sand or clay and tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH. The cultivar is rated H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy in UK terms) and corresponds to USDA zones 4–9, so it will survive most UK winters and cope with both exposed and sheltered positions and any garden aspect. Use it at the front of mixed borders, as a ground cover between larger perennials, or to soften gravel and paved areas where roots get some moisture. Its spreading habit helps knit planting schemes together, while the aromatic, palmately lobed leaves give texture and can persist as semi‑evergreen foliage in milder sites.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained but not parched
Aspect: Any
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5–H7

Plant details

Geranium himalayense 'Alpinum' or 'Gravetye' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Native to: West Himalaya, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Tibet, Uzbekistan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium himalayense 'Alpinum' or 'Gravetye'

Cultivation: Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.
Pruning: Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.
Propagation: Divide in spring or autumn. Many species self-seed freely, and basal cuttings suit cultivars that resent disturbance.
Pest resistance: Largely untroubled, though vine weevil grubs attack the roots of container plants and sawfly larvae occasionally strip leaves.
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew and rust may appear on congested plants in a dry summer; shearing back usually resolves both.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium himalayense 'Alpinum' or 'Gravetye'?

Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.

Where is the best place to plant Geranium himalayense 'Alpinum' or 'Gravetye'?

Geranium himalayense 'Alpinum' or 'Gravetye' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium himalayense 'Alpinum' or 'Gravetye' need?

Geranium himalayense 'Alpinum' or 'Gravetye' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk and sand or clay. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained but not parched.

How do I prune Geranium himalayense 'Alpinum' or 'Gravetye'?

Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.