Geranium himalayense Gravetye

The deciduous perennial Geranium 'Gravetye' is a very colourful variety of Himalayan geranium that produces large flowers of intense violet-blue colour, veined with red and highlighted by a nearly white heart. This vigorous plant forms beautiful dense and spreading cushions, with finely cut foliage that changes colour in autumn. It makes excellent ground cover and is a charming plant that spreads slowly without becoming invasive.

Geranium himalayense belongs to the Geraniaceae family. Native to the Himalayan mountains, it is a very hardy species that is not demanding in terms of soil as long as it is well-draining. The cultivar 'Gravetye' was reportedly collected in Turkestan before 1946. It is also known as Geranium grandiflorum var. alpinum and Geranium grandiflorum 'Gravetye var.' The plant forms a broad and dense cushion, with a regular dome shape, reaching a height of 30-40 cm (12-16in) and a minimum diameter of 40-50 cm (16-20in). Flowering begins in late May, peaks in June, and continues into July, before slowing down in August. From September to October, the flowers sporadically appear, depending on the climate and if the plant is pruned in August. The flowers, arranged in clusters, are round, open cups, and measure 5-6 cm (2in) in diameter. They have a beautiful violet-blue colour with red veins and a small white heart from which the pink-purple pistil emerges. The overall effect is very bright. The foliage, which is deciduous in winter, develops in spring. It consists of large, hairy leaves with prominent veins, medium green in colour, measuring 5 to 20 cm (2 to 8in) long including the petiole. It may turn more or less red in October-November. The plant has a rather specific root system, with a central and single taproot (primary root) and a few large fibrous secondary roots.

Like many of its relatives, Himalayan geranium 'Gravetye' is well-suited for low-maintenance natural gardens, and its flowering provides a food source for many insects such as butterflies, bees, and bumblebees. It is therefore an ideal plant for cottage gardens, rockeries, and borders. It pairs well with old roses and peonies. Combine it with a silvery carpet of snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) and creeping bugle with purple foliage, these simple plants will enhance its flowering dome. It also grows well in large pots, with regular watering and fertilisation.