Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye'

Overview and Key Features

Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye' is a beautiful, robust perennial prized for its large violet-blue blooms and spreading habit. It originates from the Himalayan region and was introduced to the UK by the renowned Gravetye Manor garden, hence its name. Known for forming wide clumps of deeply divided foliage, it’s a valuable plant for groundcover, naturalistic borders, and pollinator gardens.

• Common Name: Himalayan Cranesbill

• Botanical Name: Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye'

• Family: Geraniaceae

• Plant Type: Hardy herbaceous perennial

• Height and Spread: 30–45 cm tall × 60–75 cm wide

• Flower Colour: Violet-blue with red veins

• Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer (May–July)

• Foliage: Deeply lobed, medium green; turns red-orange in autumn

• Habit: Spreading, mat-forming clumps

• Hardiness: Fully hardy (H7, tolerates -20°C and lower)

Growing Conditions

Position

• Best grown in full sun or partial shade

• In hotter regions, partial shade prevents leaf scorch

• Ideal for cottage gardens, wildflower areas, and underplanting shrubs

Soil Requirements

• Prefers moist but well-drained soil

• Thrives in humus-rich, loamy soil

• Tolerates both slightly acidic and neutral conditions

• Avoid very dry or waterlogged positions

Watering, Feeding & General Maintenance

Watering

• Water well to establish in the first season

• Tolerates short dry spells once established

• In dry summers, water weekly to maintain lush growth

Feeding

• Apply a general-purpose slow-release fertiliser in spring

• Not a heavy feeder—avoid over-fertilising, which may lead to floppy growth

Pruning & Grooming

• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming

• After flowering, cut back foliage to promote a tidy second flush and fresh regrowth

• In autumn, remove old or yellowing leaves

Seasonal & Long-Term Care

• Fully hardy and returns reliably each spring

• Spreads by underground rhizomes—excellent as groundcover

• If clumps become too large or untidy, lift and divide every 3–4 years in spring or early autumn

• Tolerates light frost and mild winters without any protection

Landscaping Uses

Geranium 'Gravetye' is an ideal plant for naturalistic and informal plantings, where its soft form and long flowering season can be fully appreciated.

Where to Plant

• Front or middle of borders

• Under roses and deciduous shrubs

• Woodland edge gardens

• Gravel gardens and wildflower-style plantings

• Large containers or mixed perennial pots

Companion Plants

• Campanula, Nepeta, Astrantia, Persicaria affinis

• Alchemilla mollis, Hosta, and Ferns for shaded gardens

• Salvia nemorosa and Coreopsis for sunnier borders

• Mix with ornamental grasses for contrast in texture

Key Selling Points

• Abundant violet-blue blooms from late spring

• Ground-hugging, spreading form suppresses weeds

• Hardy and dependable, even in cold winters

• Low-maintenance and long-lasting

• Provides pollinator support with nectar-rich flowers

• Attractive autumn colour adds seasonal interest

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.