Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye'

Price: £4.50

Family: Geraniaceae
Main Season: Summer
Flower Colour: Blue
Leaf Colour: Green
Foliage: Deciduous
Position: Sun
Soil Type: Ordinary, medium loam
Height: 15cm to 30cm (6" to 12")
Peat Free? Yes
Hardiness Guide: RHS H7 minimum at least -20C
Pot Size: 9cm

Availability:

None available at present.

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Very large rich, deep blue flowers with a red flush at the centre, for a long period from early summer, repeating in autumn. Easy, in sun or light shade. 30cm.

Probably the most widespread form of himalayan cranesbill in gardens 'Gravetye' is an excellent plant for most gardens. Tough, hardy and reliable, it will produce a low mound, that slowly spreads, of rich green leaves to 20cm, topped with lots of big, bright blue flowers from mid-May till July most years. If you cut the plant back to ground level after that first flush of flower then you can expect a repeat flowering in August-October, as long as the weather isn't too hot and dry.

Supposedly collected in Turkestan prior to 1946 it has also been known as Geranium grandiflorum var. alpinum and Geranium grandiflorum 'Gravetye var.'. Named for William Robinson's home Gravetye Manor in the grounds of which, the famous Ingwersen alpine nursery was located.

Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye' also has the dubious honour of being one of the most commonly mis-labelled plants sold as Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'. The true Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' does not have the red pigment in the flower.