Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye' (Himalayan cranesbill 'Gravetye') — Matforming

Overview

Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye' is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds, ground cover, underplanting of roses and shrubs and banks and slopes. It is native to Himalayas.

About

Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye' (Himalayan cranesbill 'Gravetye') is a matforming herbaceous perennial from the Geranium genus, which includes 422 species known as hardy geraniums or cranesbills. This deciduous plant grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained or well-drained conditions. Suitable for all garden aspects and exposures, it is notable for its interest during the winter season.

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: North-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Matforming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Banks and slopes
Native to: Himalayas

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for garden borders and ground cover.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: Division, Basal cuttings, Seed
Pest resistance: Vine weevil, Sawflies, Slugs, Snails, Capsid bug, Geranium sawfly, Glasshouse leafhopper, Root mealybugs, Aphids, Caterpillars, Thrips, Fungus gnats, Glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews, Downy mildews, Virus diseases, Pelargonium rust, Grey moulds, Black leg

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for garden borders and ground cover.

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

Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye' need?

Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.