Place a beautiful one in your flowerbed unpretentious perennial With unusual name- gravilate. Resident of cold regions and temperate zone, widely distributed in Siberia and the Caucasus, Far East, Sakhalin, Kamchatka, other parts of Russia and European countries.
The perennial is distinguished by its hardiness and attractive appearance. Erect stems are crowned with large single flowers or panicle inflorescences. The trifoliate leaves have pronounced stripes-veins, with teeth along the edges.
How to care for gravel in open ground
Gravilat is planted in sunny areas, near water bodies. The plant tolerates partial shade and light short-term drought. However, it still prefers regular, abundant watering.
The main maintenance requirements are loosening the soil, weeding, sufficient watering and fertilizing. It is advisable to feed at least two to three times per season with organic or complex mineral fertilizers. Thanks to this attention, gravilate will delight you with luxurious flowering and bright, thick leaves.
Growing gravilate from seeds at home
Gravilat seeds can be planted on seedlings or directly in the ground, in spring or autumn. Let's take a closer look at each of the options.
Growing gravilat seedlings
When to plant gravilat for seedlings? They start sowing in early March, trying not to delay, but you can plant until the beginning of April.
- Prepare seedling boxes or containers with mandatory drainage holes in the bottom.
- Fill with loose nutrient soil. You can use soil from the store for flowering plants.
- Make shallow grooves, up to 1-2 cm, place seeds in them at a distance of 3-4 cm. The distance between the rows is 4-5 cm. Cover the seeds with soil.
- You can scatter the seeds on the surface of the ground, press them with your palm and lightly sprinkle the soil on top.
- Moisturize moderately, using a spray bottle.
- To speed up germination, you can cover the container with the seeds with a plastic bag.
- When shoots appear, the bag is removed.
- As soon as the seedlings produce two or three true leaves, they are carefully dropped into separate cups with a diameter of about 7 cm. Help yourself with any sharp object (fork, toothpick, reverse side teaspoon) to pry up the seedling along with the root and a lump of earth. This way you can replant the plants painlessly and they will hurt less.
- 10 days after picking, feed the seedlings with complex fertilizer for flowering plants to stimulate growth.
How to plant gravilat seedlings in the ground
Gravilat seedlings are planted in the ground from mid-May to early June, provided there are no night frosts. Two weeks before planting, the seedlings are hardened off by leaving them outside, starting from several hours a day, and increasing the stay time to a full day. In this case, planting will be painless, the plants will quickly take root and begin to grow.
Plants grown from seeds will bloom only in the next season, in the month of July. They are planted at a distance of 40 cm from each other.
How to sow gravilat seeds in the ground
in spring
Spring sowing begins as early as possible, as soon as the soil ripens. They loosen the bed, dug up since the fall, and level the ground with a rake. Make rows at a distance of 15-20 cm, sow the seeds shallowly, up to 2 cm, level the ground with the back of the rake.
It is advisable to predict the weather before the rain, then you won’t have to water. If the weather is dry, the bed is moistened with a watering can, but not flooded, so as not to create an earthen crust. It is better to water a little every evening than to water occasionally.
When the shoots appear, the bed is weeded to remove weeds and the gravel itself is thinned out, leaving at least 5 cm between plants. When the seedlings rise to 10-15 cm, they are transplanted to permanent place. The distance between the bushes is 40 cm.
in autumn
The timing of sowing will depend on the region, the main thing is that after sowing there is no prolonged heat, which is why the seeds may sprout in the fall. Gravilat is usually sown before winter around October, when it is already quite cold. The bed should not be specially insulated: the seeds will not freeze, and natural stratification will benefit them, and the plants will sprout together in early spring.
Reproduction of gravilat by dividing the bush
The gravilata bush can be divided if it has grown well. This is done in spring or autumn. The plant is completely dug up and cut into several parts with a sharp knife, with at least two or three growing points.
The cuttings are planted in pre-prepared holes, trying to maintain the same level of the root collar. It is advisable to place a couple of handfuls of humus at the bottom of the hole; this will give the plant a good charge for several years.
When planted in spring, plants can bloom the same year, you just need to try to divide the bush as early as possible so that the gravilate has time to take root before the flowering season.
What flowers to plant gravilat with? Beautiful combinations and popular companions
Gravilate goes well with irises, forget-me-nots, cereals, peonies, and goldenrod, bells, etc.
The chaotic plantings of these plants look beautiful against the background decorative stones. You can plant low ground covers nearby, for example or,.
Types of gravilate with description and photo
Hybrid gravilate Geum x hybridum
Beloved by gardeners, the hybrid gravilat incorporates best signs their parents, wild forms: Chilean and bright red. Lush double flowers and powerful, beautiful stems will be a magnificent decoration for any corner of the garden, flower bed or pond.
Popular varieties:
- ‘Fire Opal’ - orange-red double flowers;
- ‘Princess Juliana’ - orange-yellow inflorescences;
- ‘Gladys Perry’ - scarlet flowers.
Mountain gravilate Geum montanum
Widely distributed in the mountains of Europe. Low perennial with a maximum of 30 cm in height. Small flowers up to 2.5 cm are cup-shaped, yellow. It tolerates severe frosts, prefers sunny areas.
Gravilat river or stream Geum rivale
River gravilate grows near rivers and reservoirs almost everywhere: in the European part of Russia, Asia Minor, the Caucasus, Western and Eastern Siberia. The plant reaches a height of about 70 cm, and over many years of life it grows a powerful rhizome. The stems are erect and dark red. Flowering occurs in the month of May; the flowers are small, inconspicuous, and pale pink. This is a good honey plant, loved by bees for the abundance of sweet nectar. Reproduction occurs exclusively by seed.
The seed fruits have tenacious hooks, thanks to which they cling to animal fur and spread far from mother plants. The seeds germinate next spring. In the first year the bush is very small, only a few leaves at the rosette. The first leaves die off by autumn, being replaced by rounded leaves that overwinter under the snow until spring. And only after a year the plant begins to bloom.
Due to the rustic appearance, the plant is planted in gardens quite rarely; only two varieties are preferred:
- Lionel Sox - yellow flowers.
- Album - white flowers
Ross Gravilat Geum rossii
Was brought to Europe from North America, where it grows widely in the arctic tundra, as well as on rocky areas and meadows. The perennial forms a continuous dense carpet 30 cm high, covering the clearings with bright yellow clouds of flowers during flowering. Blooms in summer. Prefers soil without stagnant water and has high winter hardiness.
Geum triflorum
Gravilatum triflorum originated from moist, damp places along rivers in the vastness of North America. Only 30 cm tall, very hardy and winter-hardy. It blooms with either yellow-scarlet or lemon-purple flowers.
Gravilat Chilean Geum quellyon
As the name suggests, it was imported from Chile, South America. The height of the plant is decent, up to 60 cm. The leaves are collected in a basal rosette. It begins to bloom in June and produces flowers for about 50 days.
Terry varieties of gravilata are especially loved by flower growers:
- Lady Stratheden - yellow flowers;
- Mr J. Bradyshaw' - 60 cm tall, double orange flowers, blooms in July, continues to bloom for approximately 30 days.
- Fireball is only half a meter high, luxurious lush flowers of bright orange color, flowering lasts 50 days.
- Goldball - yellow flowers.
Bright red or red-flowered Geum coccineum
Terry gravylate bright red variety Geum ‘Mrs Bradshaw’ photo
Found in Asia Minor, the Caucasus, and Greece. The perennial has pubescent stems crowned large flowers bright red color. The leaves are tripartite.
Unique is popular winter-hardy variety with long flowering from June to September: the flower is called “Borizin”.
Many people know this plant under the name Greek rose. Indeed, Chilean gravilat is very reminiscent of the miniature semi-double varieties of the queen of the garden and is even considered its distant relative. The herbaceous perennial, unlike flowering thorny shrubs, does not form woody trunks. But gravel is rightfully considered an excellent border plant, serves to decorate the shores of artificial reservoirs, and is used in rock gardens.
Decorative garden flower has and medicinal properties. Using an alcohol infusion from the rhizomes you can remove toothache. The plant also has anti-inflammatory properties, helps stop bleeding and treat wounds that take a long time to heal.
When choosing a place to plant gravilat, you need to take it into account natural features: many plant species colonize open areas on mountain slopes, on the edges of forests, and along the banks of reservoirs. The area designated for planting gravel should be located in a well-lit place. Light shading in the middle of the day is acceptable. Chilean gravel will grow very well next to ornamental shrub or tall herbaceous plants. Therefore, most often it is planted in flowerbeds as a border, despite the average height of some varieties (up to 60 cm).
Gravity is very demanding on the quality of the soil: it does not grow well on waterlogged soils with an acidic reaction. When planting, you need to focus on the possibility of natural drainage of the site. Even near a reservoir, it is best to choose a place where water does not stagnate after snow melts or rainfall.
If on garden plot acidic, heavy and dense soils predominate, then when laying out a flower garden in which it is planned to plant Chilean gravel, it is best to raise the flower bed above the general level. Chalk, fluffy lime or old plaster should be added to the ground to slightly neutralize the acidity. Sand is suitable for loosening the soil. It must be applied in a fairly large amount, up to 1 bucket per 1 m² of flower garden.
How can a plant be planted?
There are 2 ways to propagate gravilat: growing from seeds and dividing the bush. When choosing seed method the gardener will have to be patient, since the plant will not bloom during the first year. In order to quickly obtain flowering specimens, you need to purchase parts of an adult bush. Gravilate - perennial flower, therefore, for wintering, it stores nutrients in the rhizome. It is this part of the plant that serves for vegetative propagation.
To sow purchased seed material, you need to prepare seedling boxes in the fall with a substrate of 1 part fertile soil (taken from the garden or vegetable garden) and 1 part river sand without clay. If the soil on the site is dense, there is a possibility that it has high acidity. For good growth seedlings per 1 bucket of such soil, when preparing the mixture for sowing, you can add 100 g (half a glass) of ground construction chalk or crushed egg shells. In the case when the seeds were purchased in winter or spring, but there is no prepared soil, you can purchase soil at the store for planting roses or growing seedlings. These are quite suitable mixtures for gravel.
Sowing is done in early spring - in March or early April. The soil in the box needs to be leveled, well moistened with a watering can with a sieve or with a spray bottle, and the seeds scattered over the surface. After this, they must be covered with clean, dry sand or the soil mixture that was used for sowing. The layer of soil on top of the seeds should not be more than 0.5 cm. To maintain moisture and provide a microclimate for the germinating seeds, the box must be covered with glass or film.
Seed germination occurs within 2 weeks. After seedlings appear above the soil surface, the glass needs to be raised slightly, providing air access and gradually reducing humidity. The next day you can remove it completely.
Caring for seedlings before the appearance of 2 true leaves consists of timely watering room temperature. To prevent fungal diseases, you can add a little potassium permanganate to the water (until it turns pale pink), and after watering, pollinate the soil surface with sifted wood ash. When 2 true leaves appear, the gravilat needs to be planted in separate pots with a diameter of 7 cm.
Transfer the seedlings to open ground possible at the end of May, when the threat of return frosts has passed. Young plants can be planted immediately in a permanent place if the flowerbed consists of perennials or if you plan to decorate a rock garden or pond with gravity. For a flower bed of annuals, it is better to choose a different border for the coming summer season, and grow the gravilata seedlings in a separate ridge until the fall. The plants will begin to bloom only next year.
With the vegetative method of propagation, a new bush develops from already formed buds on the rhizome, and therefore flowering occurs soon after planting. To propagate by dividing the bush, you need to dig up the gravel, examine the plant and cut the common root so that there are 2-3 buds on each division. In a vegetative way, you can propagate gravilate bushes in spring and autumn periods. In the fall, it is advisable to carry out such an operation no later than 1.5-2 months before the onset of frost, so that the new bushes have time to take root.
How to care for a flower?
Care is reduced mainly to timely watering. Adult Chilean gravilat tolerates severe drying out well and will not die even in a dry summer if the owners cannot water it on time. Only young seedlings of the current season or 2-year-old plants that have recently been transplanted need constant soil moisture.
Watering is carried out as the top layer of soil dries to a depth of 1-2 cm. If the planting site for gravilat has natural drainage (located on an elevated area or on a slope), then there are no problems with draining excess moisture. It happens that the above-ground part suffers greatly due to drought. In this case, you need to water the soil near the bush very generously. The plant will recover from underground buds.
How to feed correctly?
For abundant flowering, plants need more than just water. The most fertile soil most often contains nitrogen compounds in large quantities. This substance is very important for the growth of green mass, but phosphorus and potassium are needed for the formation of buds.
To obtain a large number of large, bright flowers, the gravilate must be fed with a solution of fertilizer containing potassium and phosphorus compounds before flowering begins. This can be a ready-made mixture for flowering plants or a mineral complex fertilizer (nitrophoska, Kemira or other brands). They must be applied according to the instructions on the package.
At home a large number of potassium and phosphorus can be provided by watering the plant with an infusion of wood ash: place it in a 3-liter jar, fill the container halfway, add water to the neck. Leave for 3 days, then strain and mix the liquid with 10 liters of water. This feeding is also carried out before flowering, after the plant awakens from the winter dormancy period.
After the crop has flowered, fertilizing must be repeated to ensure the formation of flower buds for the next season. When using complex fertilizers containing nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, the addition of organic matter in the form of compost, humus, etc. should not be done. Only if an infusion of wood ash, which does not contain nitrogen, is used for fertilizing, well-rotted compost or humus is introduced into the soil in the autumn.
How does flowering occur?
The plant produces many flowers about 4 cm in size. There are non-double and semi-double varieties. The color is varied - shades of red and yellow flowers. The height of the peduncles above the basal rosette of leaves is 30-60 cm.
A typical variety can be considered “Fireball”. Semi-double buds are bright orange color reach 4 cm in diameter. The variety is considered cold-resistant and begins to bloom in May. Flowering duration is up to 30 days. You can increase the period by constantly trimming fading flowers. This provokes the growth of new shoots and the formation of buds.
The variety "Aurelia" has yellow flowers. This is also a semi-double gravel, the height of the peduncles reaches 50-60 cm. They look good when cut, thanks to the lush “bouquets” of bright flowers.
Among the gravilate varieties that have recently appeared on Russian markets, - “Lady Stratheden” and “Mrs Bradshaw”. Semi-double, but very lush flowers bright yellow with dark core gravilata "Lady Strafden" can serve as a real decoration for a garden with a pond. The red "Mrs. Bradshaw" gravy will look great both as a cut flower and in a flower bed, reminiscent of some varieties of roses.
Even more beautiful pink varieties Cosmopolitan, Mai Tai, Mango and Tequila Sunrise. What distinguishes them from others is the light color of the petals. In combination with each other and with dark red varieties, these gravilates will help to create a very beautiful parterre flower garden, reminiscent of a miniature rose garden, because these varieties are low-growing and do not exceed 40 cm in height.
The shore of a reservoir or a rock garden in which the Chilean gravilat grows will always attract attention. Fiery reds, golden yellows and pink flowers look great in any flower bed. Low and medium-sized plants are suitable both for the border and for planting independently on the edge or along garden paths.
Flower gravilat, which is also commonly called avens, is a genus of 50 species of perennial rhizomatous plants of the Rosaceae family. This species is distributed throughout Europe, Asia, North and South America, as well as Africa and New Zealand.
Some species are critically endangered or very vulnerable in their natural habitat. According to its characteristics, gravilat is very closely related to two more species - cinquefoil and strawberry.
The main varieties of gravilat - "Lady Stratheden" and "Mrs. J. Bradshaw" received the Royal Horticultural Society Award.
Native Americans use the boiled roots of the Gravilat triflorum variety to make tea. Also used medicinally for application to wounds and in the treatment of sore throats.
From a basal rosette of leaves, the gravilat flower produces flowers in red, yellow and orange hues on stiff stems in midsummer. The plant is evergreen except in places where the temperature drops below -18°C.
The flower has a creeping, blackish and slightly woody root that grows deep in the ground along with numerous fibers. The stems are straight and reach two meters in height (they are often slightly paniculate at the top).
Near the roots, the leaves are almost lyre-shaped. On the petioles they are already rounded with jagged edges. Leaf stems are few and reach only 3 mm in length.
The seeds are oval with a slightly hooked end. Flowers give the whole plant a feeling of lightness and airiness.
Caring for gravilate - everything is simple and complex at the same time
When organizing the care of gravity plant, you need to be prepared for the fact that the crop has increased requirements for the conditions of its habitat. Depending on the type, gravilat can be frost-resistant.
They are also differentiated by their need for light: some prefer full sun, while others prefer a little shade. Some grow happily in dry conditions, but most require additional moisture. When stored in winter time there is a risk that the gravilate will begin to rot, especially if the soil or storage area is very wet.
It adapts easily to any soil, but prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils. everything here is simple and complicated at the same time, since you need to create a neutral reaction of the soil with the appropriate irrigation regime.
During flowering, it may fall off and bloom again several times during the summer. Susceptible to some pests and diseases that can harm the gravilate.
Reproduction and planting of gravilat when grown from seeds
Planting gravilat when grown from seeds should be carried out by seedling method at home. This allows for early and long flowering.
Grown in the front rows in large flower beds - as a border for bushes - their low foliage and bright flowers on yellow stems are perfect for framing any flower garden. Gravilate triflorum is used as a natural primer.
It is recommended to plant a flower only on loose and drained soil, in which 2/3 should be sand. After that, it is mixed with the soil and seeds of gravilate are grown in this soil. You can also add ash, but you will need much less of it than sand.
Since the plant loves the sun and light very much, then the place for planting the gravel should be appropriate - light partial shade or open sun. If you cut off the ground part of the flower before wintering, and then cover it with foliage or a layer of mulch, then the gravel will perfectly survive all frosts.
The flower (with the exception of the river variety) does not like it when a large amount of moisture accumulates near the roots - this can cause rotting. That is why high-quality drainage is important, which, with careful watering, will not allow water to stagnate near the root system.
It also happens that the water continues to stagnate no matter what - in this case, next year it is recommended to raise the soil level by adding sand to it.
To preserve the picturesque flowers of gravilata for as long as possible, we advise you not to forget to remove dry and damaged petals in a timely manner. Also, do not forget about feeding - at least three or four times per season will be enough.
When planting, do not forget to maintain a distance of 20 centimeters between seedlings.
Gravilat is grown from seeds or simply divided by a sharp knife - in this case you will get the first flowers the next year. When growing seedlings from seeds, only after a year. Reproduction of gravilat by dividing the bush is possible only if all the seeds on it are completely ripe.
Main varieties of gravilat (with photo)
Where does flower bed design begin? Of course, from choosing plants suitable for color scheme and overall dimensions.
The following describes the main varieties of gravilate with photos, many of them are more decorative. When choosing a suitable species, you need to pay attention to the botanical features and requirements for growing conditions.
Urban gravilate or St. Benedict's grass
Urban gravilate is also known as avens tree, Bennett grass and St. Benedict's grass. This is perennial herbaceous plant grows in shady places - such as forest edges and hedges - in Europe and the Middle East.
Usually the litter reaches 60 centimeters in height, and blooms from May to August. Flowers are 1-2 mm in diameter with five bright yellow petals. The hermaphroditic flowers are fragrant and pollinated by bees. The fruits have burrs, which are necessary for them to be caught on the backs and fur of rabbits and other animals. The root of the plant is used as a spice for soups, and also to improve the taste of ale.
It is believed that urban gravilate cures poison and dog bites. Also, some scientists have suggested using it as a remedy against colds, liver diseases and stomach disorders. In traditional Austrian medicine, the plant's herb is used to make a tea that treats rheumatism, gout, infection and fever. In the modern world, herbalists use it to treat diarrhea, heart disease and unpleasant odor from mouth.
Gravilate Chilean
Chilean gravilate is also called Greek rose. It is native to the central region of Chile. Used in traditional medicine by the Mapuche Indians in Chile to treat various ailments.
The plant is distinguished by bright red petals that will decorate any garden.
River gravity - purple avens
Gravilata manuala grows throughout most of Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean region, and also in parts of Central Asia and North America (there it is known as violet avens). It grows in swamps and wet meadows, producing red flowers from May to September.
This variety grows calmly in moist soils and can withstand slightly acidic and calcareous soils when placed in sun or partial shade. Pollinated by bees, flies and beetles. When the flower matures, the elongated stamens provide its own fertilizer.
On poorly drained soils or neutral or acidic lowlands, the grass may take on a purple tint.
Gravilate red and fireball
Gravilat red grows up to half a meter in length and differs from other varieties in its rich red or fiery orange flowers with a diameter of 3 centimeters. Species with double petals are especially popular.
The fireball has a length of 60 centimeters and flowers with a diameter of 4 mm. To obtain seedlings, seeds are sown in March-April. And after the first leaves appear, they are divided into different containers.
Then, by the beginning of June, the gravilate fireball is planted in open ground at a distance of 20 centimeters from each other. The bush is divided once every 4 years. If you prune immediately after the first flowering, you will promote the growth of new shoots and more active flowering.
Gravilat "Red Dragon"
This is a very attractive plant in appearance (the double variety is especially beautiful), which is most often used for medicinal purposes.
Gravilat "Red Dragon" is quite unpretentious, so it will not require you to special conditions– the main thing is not to forget about good drainage and a place in a sunny or slightly shaded place.
Like other species, it reproduces by seeds or vegetatively.
Gravilata flowers, especially terry varieties, attract Special attention and go well with other garden crops - carnations, primroses, bells. This plant does not require careful treatment, however, depending on the variety (and there are more than two dozen of them), you need to care for the gravilate in different ways. In this article we will look at growing and caring for the three most popular varieties of gravilat.
The bright red inflorescences of “reddragon” can be confused with poppies from afar. This flower is quite unpretentious and can grow both in an open, illuminated area and in partial shade.
Seeds are sown in early spring. First, let's prepare the soil - gravity plant requires well-drained soil, for this you need to add a little sand or wood ash to the garden soil. Gravilat tolerates picking well; it has a strong taproot system, so it is not necessary to leave too much distance between the seeds. The seeds are lightly pressed into the ground and sprinkled on top. The box with seedlings is covered with glass or polyethylene and left in the light.
After the seedlings have formed 2-3 true leaves, you can make the first pick - the root system has already been sufficiently formed by this time. Seedlings are transplanted into open ground in late May - early June, when the threat of frost has passed.
The soil in the place of permanent “residence” of the Reddragon gravilate can be anything, the main thing is that it is well moistened. Therefore, take care to regularly water the plant, especially on hot days.
Terry gravylate "reddragon" is a perennial plant; for the winter it must be covered with spruce branches or dry leaves. To ensure that the plant blooms all summer, cut off dried flowers in time.
Read also:
Fireball for decorating flower beds
This variety of gravilata is used not only to decorate flower beds, flower beds, verandas and rock gardens, but is also grown for cutting - its leaves remain green for a long time, which gives the flower a fresh look.
“Fireball” refers to varieties of gravilat that can be sown not only for seedlings, but also directly into open ground. Sowing of seedlings is done in March-April, in open ground - no earlier than May (so that the seeds do not freeze) and no later than July (otherwise the plant will not have time to become strong enough for wintering).
Before planting in a permanent place, it is necessary to add compost or mineral fertilizer to the soil. Gravilat needs regular watering; it is also very important to weed and loosen the soil.
In order for the “fireball” to bloom all summer, you need to prune it immediately after the first flowering. Every 3-4 years the bushes need to be divided, as the gravilate grows greatly.
We grow Chilean gravilate
Chilean gravilat is a fairly tall plant, reaching 60 cm. Like the “fireball”, it can be sown in open ground or grown as seedlings. The sowing time is the same as for the “fireball”.
Before planting the seedling in a permanent place, you need to add sand or wood ash, then the plant will better tolerate drought. It is important to leave a distance of 40 cm between seedlings. The Chilean gravilate loves water very much, if you water it regularly, it will delight you with large flowers from June to September.
Gravilat perennial- a herbaceous plant of the Rosaceae family. Under natural conditions, about 50 species are found, growing in forests, meadows, along the banks of rivers and lakes. Twelve types of gravilate are known on the territory of Russia. How cultivated plant About 20 species are grown. Gravilat is used both to create compositions and to design rock gardens, ridges, lawns, and ponds.
Avens- a rhizome plant, rather unpretentious, frost-resistant, blooms for a long time - from May to July, and then again again closer to autumn. Although there are also varieties of gravel that can bloom all season with double or simple flowers.
The plant has erect stems with a height of 15 to 70 cm. The leaves are wrinkled, rich bright green color. Popular curb varieties of gravilate form dense basal rosettes of leaves, over which in early summer thin rigid flower stalks grow with cup-shaped bright flowers. Flowers, reaching a diameter of 3.5 cm, have a wide variety of shades of yellow, red, orange. Flowers grow on the tops of stems collected in paniculate or corymbose inflorescences. Gravilata fruits are shaped like a nut.
Best suited for rock gardens and rocky hills Mountain gravilate(Geum montanum), reaching a height of 15 cm and blooming with yellow flowers. It's more unpretentious plant, in comparison with the same Creeping Gravilat (Geum reptans). Chilean Gravilat (Geum chiloense) 30 – 70 cm tall is often grown as a border plant; it blooms from May to September. And for marshy soils, River Gravilat (Geum rivale), up to 45 cm in height, is suitable. It blooms with light pink, drooping, bell-shaped flowers from May to October.
For planting perennial grass, a well-lit place or light partial shade is best suited. Any well-drained soil will do. But gravilate tolerates acidified and waterlogged soils less well. Before planting the plant, you should add sand or wood ash to the ground.
During the winter months, gravilat, especially its hybrid forms, needs shelter. Cover it with spruce branches or dry leaves.
The perennial needs abundant, regular watering, but it must be taken into account that gravilate does not tolerate severe waterlogging and stagnant water. If the area is heavily swamped, then it would be better to raise the flower bed in which the gravel will grow, with the exception of planting river gravel.
The plant is little susceptible to diseases and various pests. Needs removal of dried flowers. During the growing season, it is necessary to fertilize with mineral fertilizers twice.
Reproduction of gravilat perennial is carried out in the spring by seeds or by dividing bushes in the fall, or in the spring months.
Seeds begin to be sown in early spring. Ready seedlings planted in open ground after the onset of heat, from the end of April. For sowing, boxes located in greenhouses are used. The top of the crops is covered with glass. The first picking must be carried out in a greenhouse, and not in open ground. Gravilat grown by seedlings will bloom the next season. In the south, you can sow in open ground in the fall, but it is not recommended to delay this process too much, since the plant must have time to take root well. Before planting, it is necessary to fertilize the soil with peat or compost.
If propagation is carried out by dividing the mother bushes, then in the autumn months this can be done only after the plant’s seeds have ripened. Divided bushes are planted at a distance of 20 cm.
