Dappled shade, full shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Front, middle
Soil
Prefers rich soil:
Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Cranesbill, or hardy geraniums, are perennial border plants with saucer-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple and blue. They're easy to grow, thrive in shade and flower for months. Geraniums are popular in cottage garden schemes and offer a long season of pollen and nectar for a number of pollinators, particularly bees.
Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye' is one of the most compact varieties of Geranium himalayense, bearing large violet-blue flowers with red-flushed, white centres. Its finely-cut foliage is also attractive and colours beautifully in autumn. For best results grow in moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. To keep plants in looking their best, remove old flowered stems and leaves and divide clumps every few years in spring. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Flowers
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Divide
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Take cuttings
yes
Prune
yes
yes
Collect seeds
yes
yes
Geranium ‘Gravetye’ and wildlife
Geranium ‘Gravetye’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/Moths
Butterflies/Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators
Is Geranium ‘Gravetye’ poisonous?
Geranium ‘Gravetye’ has no toxic effects reported.
