Perennial gravilate: photos of flowers, types and varieties, growing from seeds

Gravilat is a herbaceous plant for open ground. Many of its species are used for ornamental propagation. Perennials can be propagated in different ways, by planting seeds or seedlings.

Botanical description

Gravilat is a whole genus of herbaceous perennials belonging to the Rosaceae family. Its main characteristics:

• height of most varieties up to 0.6 m;
• stems are straight;
• large basal leaves, pinnately lobed or pinnately dissected;
• the color of the flowers is white, yellow or pink, they are wide open, can be bell-shaped or looking up;
• almost sessile stem leaves and small entire apical leaves;
• inflorescences are paniculate or umbellate, with 3-10 buds, some species have single flowers;
• pollination is provided by insects;
• flowering occurs in late spring or early summer;
• the fruit is a multi-nut;
• the seeds are easily separated from the flowers, have a tail and a curved hook at the end.

Aleppo gravilate (straight) is also called clove root, since its roots can replace cloves

Where does the gravilat plant grow?

Gravilate is not found on the planet only on one continent - Antarctica. In nature, the plant is distributed in temperate climate zones. The perennial prefers meadows, but is also found in forests.

Types and varieties

The description and photo of the gravilata flower depends on its type. There are about 50 of them.

Prirucheyny gravilate

Stream gravel (lat. Geum rivale) is also called stream or river. Main characteristics of the plant:

• habitat - North America, all of Europe, China and Central Asia, the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, the Far East, Western and Eastern Siberia;
• preferred places are moist and damp fertile soil with a slightly acidic reaction, river banks and swamp edges, meadows, deciduous forests, bushes;
• height up to 0.8 m;
• the stem is erect and shaggy, dark red in color, can be slightly branched, glandular at the top;
• pressed-shaggy leaves;
• bell-shaped bisexual flowers with a brownish-red calyx and wide petals, diameter up to 1.5 cm;
• The flowering of the plant lasts 2-3 weeks, occurring at the end of spring and the first half of summer;
• many hairy stamens and pistils forming an ovoid head;
• the fruit is a red achene with a hook at the end that ensures distribution by people and animals;
• Fruit ripening occurs in July-August.

Stream grass is listed in the Red Books of the Saratov and Irkutsk regions in Russia and the Kharkov region in Ukraine

In ornamental horticulture, a specially bred variety of brook gravylate, Leonardo Var, is used. It has large flowers with a diameter of 3-4 cm, the height of reddish-brown stems is up to 0.45 m.

The flowers of the Leonardo Var variety have a copper-pink color.

In spring, brook gravitate serves as good food for cattle. The plant is a honey plant.

Gravilate bright red

Bright red gravilate (lat. Geum coccineum) is naturally distributed in Western Asia and South-Eastern Europe. Its main characteristics:

• plant height during flowering up to 0.4-0.5 m;
• straight stems with pubescence;
• flower diameter 3-3.5 cm;
• bright orange color;
• flowering lasts 30-40 days, beginning at the end of May.

A popular variety of the species is Borizin (Borisii). This orange gravilate has good winter hardiness - it can withstand temperatures down to – 23 °C.

The Borizin variety blooms in June-September

Urban

Urban gravilate (lat. Geum urbanum) is also called clove root. Russians colloquially call it a podlesnik, and Ukrainians call it a vyvyshnik. It is widespread in nature:

• the entire territory of Europe;
• North Africa;
• Caucasus;
• Asia Minor and Central Asia;
• Russia – European part, Western Siberia, Ciscaucasia.

This species prefers gardens and parks, forest edges, roadsides, and wastelands.It can often be found in spruce or alder forests.

Main characteristics of urban gravilate:

• height 0.3-0.6 m;
• erect stem with soft pubescence, white hairs at the top, branches weakly;
• the rhizome is thick and oblique, usually unbranched;
• in the basal rosette there are 3-9 leaves, they are rounded-ovate and unevenly toothed;
• there are few stem leaves; a few hairs and glands on the stalks cover both sides of the plate;
• diameter of single flowers 1-1.5 cm, yellow color;
• Distribution of plant seeds is ensured by people and animals.

Flowering of urban gravilate occurs in May-September; in the European part of Russia it lasts until July

The plant is called clove root for the characteristic aroma acquired by the oil obtained from dry rhizomes. This perennial has medicinal properties, which were mentioned by Hippocrates.

Urban gravilate is a honey plant and an insecticide. Its roots can be used to produce red-brown and black dyes, as well as tanning leather, and it imparts an additional clove scent.

The plant is also used in cooking. Its roots serve as a good seasoning for vegetables. It is also used in the production of canned food and confectionery, brewing and the alcoholic beverage industry. Fresh young leaves of the plant can be added to salad.

Chilean

Chilean gravel (lat. Geum quellyon) is grown in gardens as an ornamental plant, it has been cultivated for almost 2 centuries and is successfully used for hybridization. In nature, the perennial is common in Chile. Its main characteristics:

• height up to 0.6 m;
• odd-pinnate leaves in a basal rosette;
• flowers are red, diameter up to 3 cm;
• paniculate inflorescence;
• flowering occurs in May-August, the specific timing depends on the variety;
• winter hardiness is good.

Flowering of Chilean gravilate lasts 50 days

The plant is widely used by the Mapuche Indians in folk medicine. They treat toothache, prostatitis and stomach inflammation, and normalize menstruation. An extract with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties is obtained from the roots.

Hybrid gravilate

Hybrid gravilate (lat. Geum hybridum) includes forms and varieties that are obtained by crossing other species. Its main characteristics:

• height up to 0.25 m, during flowering – up to 0.6 m;
• flowers up to 3 cm in diameter, can be yellow, orange or red;
• wrinkled lyre-shaped leaves;
• the flowers are solitary or form corymbose or paniculate inflorescences.

Hybrid gravilate blooms in July-August

Mountain

Mountain gravilate (lat. Geum montanum) is common in the center and south of Europe. The Austrians used it in folk medicine for infections, fever, rheumatism, and gout.

This species grows in the mountains at an altitude of 1-3 km. Main characteristics of the perennial:

• compact bush or growing turf;
• height during flowering up to 0.3 m;
• stem erect or ascending, thick;
• basal leaves are lyre-pinnate, petioles short;
• a small number of small stem leaves;
• flower diameter is 3-4.5 cm, petals are longer than sepals;
• golden yellow color;
• flowering occurs in May-July.

Mountain gravilate tolerates cold well, although it is a sun-loving plant

Gravilate Ross

The homeland of Ross's gravilate (lat. Geum rossii) is North America. It is distributed mainly in Northern Canada and the high mountains of the western United States. Main characteristics of the perennial:

• dense bushes up to 0.3 m wide;
• flowering begins in mid-June;
• yellow color;
• the flowers are small.

Ross's gravilate has good winter hardiness - it can withstand temperatures down to -35 °C

Gravilat Triflorum

The homeland of Triflorum gravilate (lat. Geum triflorum) is North America. In nature, it is found from the eastern regions to New York and from northern Canada to California.

The main characteristics of the perennial are:

• reddish-purple stems 0.15-0.4 m high;
• flowering begins in mid-spring and continues until early summer;
• umbrella inflorescences with 3-5 buds;
• 5 purple or deep pink petals with a cream or yellowish tint;
• Only pollinated buds open and turn upward.

Because of the upward-pointing long hairs of the seeds, Americans call this species prairie smoke

Gravilat Triflorum is a honey plant. Its flowers attract mainly bumblebees, which are able to get to the nectar even in closed buds. Bumblebees are effective cross-pollinators for this type of perennial.

The best varieties

There are many varieties of gravilate of different types. Among them, some are especially popular in gardening.

Rigoletto

Rigoletto is a variety of Chilean gravilate. Main characteristics:

• erect stem;
• height up to 0.6 m;
• double flowers of scarlet color, diameter up to 4 cm;
• paniculate inflorescences;
• basal rosette with bright green carved and wrinkled leaves;
• buds bloom alternately, flowering occurs in June-July.

To grow Rigoletto gravilate from seeds, well-drained soil is important. The place should be well lit.

The decorative effect of Rigoletto gravilate lasts throughout the season.

Aurelia

Aurelia is another variety of Chilean gravilate. Characteristics of this perennial:

• height up to 0.6 m;
• diameter of double flowers 3-4 cm;
• stem straight, pubescence fine;
• bright golden yellow color;
• flowering begins at the end of June and lasts an average of 50 days.

Gravilata Aurelia seedlings begin to bloom in the 2nd year

Tinkerbell

Tinkerbell is another variety of Chilean gravilate. Outwardly it resembles another variety of Gravilata Lady Stratheden.

Tinkerbell has golden-yellow flowers with a diameter of 4 cm, collected in panicles

Mai Tai

The Mai Tai variety is a hybrid. It has burgundy stems 0.45 m high and semi-double flowers with a diameter of 3.5 cm.

Mai Tai Gravilata flowers are pale apricot in color with a pink blush.

Blazing Sunset

Gravilat Blazing Sunset is Chilean. During flowering it looks very impressive. The main characteristics of the variety are:

• height up to 0.6 m;
• bright red double flowers, up to 3 cm in diameter;
• basal rosette with green odd-pinnate leaves;
• flowering occurs in July-August.

The flowering of this variety is abundant and long lasting.

Moon

The Luna variety belongs to the Chilean gravilate and owes its name to its golden yellow color. Characteristics:

• diameter of double flowers 3-4 cm;
• stem height up to 0.6 m;
• panicle inflorescence;
• leaves are imparipinnate, forming a basal rosette.

Flowering of gravilata Luna begins in June and lasts a month

Totali Tangerine

The Totally Tangerine variety is a hybrid. Characteristics:

• bush height 0.35-0.5 m. width 0.4 m;
• flowers 3-4 cm in diameter, tangerine or apricot color;
• dark green foliage;
• height of peduncles 0.75-0.8 m;
• climate zone 5-7, according to other sources 4;
• the flowers are sterile, their number is several times greater than that of a typical gravilate.

Flowering of Totali Tangerine occurs in May-September and lasts for several months.

Flames of Mission

One of the varieties of Chilean gravilate is Flames of Passion. It forms compact bushes with the following characteristics:

• height up to 0.4 m;
• double flowers of red-cherry hue, diameter up to 4 cm;
• contrasting yellow anthers;
• erect wine-red stems;
• dark green foliage;
• frost resistance zone 4.

Flowering of Flames of Passion is long and occurs in June-August

Mrs Bradshaw

The variety Mrs. Bradshaw belongs to the Chilean gravilat. It grows up to 0.4-0.6 m, has elegant foliage and many scarlet semi-double and double flowers. Their diameter is 3-4 cm.

Mrs. Bradshaw blooms from June to August

Tequila Sunrise

Tequila Sunrise gravilate has an unusual color. Its simple and semi-double flowers have a yellow base tone, with red spots unevenly distributed on it. They have different sizes and shade intensity.

This variety blooms profusely. It falls between April and September. Dark red peduncles grow up to 0.55 m, and hairy lobed leaves up to 0.3 m.

Tequila Sunrise variety is well suited for cutting

Sparkling Sunset

The Sparkling Sunset variety has a spectacular leaf rosette and bright carmine-colored flowers. The main characteristics of the perennial are:

• height up to 0.6 m, width up to 0.4 m;
• flowering begins 1 year after sowing;
• Frost resistance up to – 27 °C.

The Sparkling Sunset variety is recommended for the Moscow region, the Urals, and southern regions

Cosmopolitan

Gravilat Cosmopolitan is another variety with an original color. The main shade is transparent cream, and the edges of the petals are pink. The flowers of this variety are semi-double, the peduncles grow up to 0.6 m.

Half-opened flowers of Gravilata Cosmopolitan resemble small roses

Fire storm

The Fire Storm variety is also called Firestorm. Characteristics:

• semi-double orange flowers;
• height 0.35-0.5 m, width 0.45 m;
• flowering begins at the end of June and lasts until mid-September.

Gravilat Firestorm is well suited for alpine slides

Gravilat in landscape design

Less than half of the types of gravilate are used in landscape design. It attracts with its long flowering, after which the decorative effect is preserved due to the beautiful carved foliage.

Gravilat in a flowerbed can be combined with different flowering and green species:

• carnations;
• bells;
• peonies;
• phlox.

Bright gravilate creates a beautiful contrast with Austrian speedwell

In the flowerbed, gravilat coexists perfectly with hostas and barberry

Stream grass is good for planting near natural or artificial reservoirs

In photos of gravilate flowers you can often find it among stones, where it feels great. The plant is well suited for creating rock gardens and rockeries.

Gravilat is good to plant along paths, combining with other flowers and green plants

Coniferous plants set off the gravilate in an original way

Gravilat looks good in group planting

For linear planting, it is better to use gravilate of different shades; you can combine it with other colors

Features of reproduction

Gravilat is grown from seeds or propagated by dividing the bush. It is better to do this in the spring, although in areas with a warm climate it is allowed to carry out work in the fall, but after the seeds have fully ripened.

The perennial bush must be divided so that each plot contains part of the rhizome, living buds and stems with leaves. Separated elements should be planted at intervals of 20 cm. If the bushes take root quickly, they will bloom in the first year. If divided in autumn, buds will appear only next spring.

Growing gravilate from seeds

Gravilat is grown from seeds in two ways. You can do this through seedlings or sow the material directly into open ground.

Direct sowing into the ground

If you plant gravilat seeds directly into the ground, you can greatly simplify the process. The plant is unpretentious, so its germination rate is good.

Growing seedlings

Growing gravilat seedlings is not difficult. Process algorithm:

1. Prepare a container or box, be sure to have drainage holes.
2. Fill the container with nutritious soil, make grooves at intervals of 5 cm. Go deep to a maximum of 2 cm.
3. Distribute the seeds along the furrows at 3 cm intervals.
4. Cover crops with soil
5. Provide shelter from film or glass.

Ventilate the plantings every day. Moisten the soil periodically with a spray bottle.

The shelter must be removed after the sprouts appear. Care consists of regular moisturizing. After the first pair of leaves of the plant appear, you need to pick them up, moving them with the earthen clod.To stimulate the growth and development of the perennial, fertilizing is needed every week. Complex compositions for garden flowers are suitable.

Planting and caring for gravel

To successfully grow perennial grass, planting and care must be carried out according to certain rules. You need to choose a suitable place, observe the deadlines, water the plant in a timely manner and prepare it for winter.

Recommended timing

The timing of planting gravel depends on the chosen method. Seeds should be sown in open ground in early spring, as soon as the soil warms up. Seedlings are planted outside in the second half of May or early June.

Pre-winter sowing of seeds is also possible, during which they undergo natural stratification. It is better to plant the material in October, when the cold weather sets in. No winter insulation is required. Shoots will appear in the spring, when it becomes warm.

Site selection and preparation

Gravilat is unpretentious, but for good growth and development the plant should provide certain conditions:

• loose, well-drained and aerated soil;
• more than half of the soil should be sand;
• well-lit place, light partial shade is allowed;

Preparing the site for planting involves digging, adding sand and removing weeds. The soil must be loosened.

If the acidity of the soil is increased, then wood ash should be added before planting.

Landing algorithm

Features of the process depend on the chosen method. When sowing perennial seeds directly, proceed as follows:

1. Prepare the area, loosen and level the ground. There should be no lumps.
2. Make grooves at intervals of 15 cm.
3. Distribute the seeds among the rows and sprinkle them.
4. Moisten the planting. You cannot fill it, otherwise a crust will form on the surface.

In hot, dry weather, crops need to be watered a little every day. After emergence of seedlings, thinning is necessary. There should be 5-7 cm between the sprouts. Seedlings that have grown to 15 cm are replanted at intervals of 40 cm.

When planting seedlings, the area must be prepared according to the standard algorithm. Bushes are placed at intervals of 20 cm.

Watering and fertilizing schedule

Gravilat is drought-resistant, but it cannot be left without watering at all. On hot and dry days it should be regular and plentiful. The same measures are used if the plant has been left without water for a long time. You cannot flood the plantings, otherwise rotting will begin.

It is enough to feed the perennial 4 times per season. In spring and autumn, the plant needs organic matter; it responds well to humus.

Before flowering, granular mineral fertilizers are used; the potassium-phosphorus combination should predominate in them. The same feeding of the plants is carried out in mid-July.

Preparing for winter

The specifics of preparing a plant for winter depend on the frost resistance of a particular variety. If the temperature does not drop below - 15-20 °C, then no measures are required.

If the region has cold winters, then in the fall you need to cut off the entire above-ground part of the perennial and cover the roots with mulch.

Features of transplantation

It is recommended to replant Gravilat every 4-5 years.More often this is not necessary, since the plant reacts poorly to such changes. Combining replanting a perennial with its division is effective.

Diseases and pests

Gravilat is resistant to pests, but can be affected by spider mites. This can be caused by moisture deficiency. To combat the pest, plants use acaricides - Aktara, Aktellik, Iskra, Fitoverm, Fufanon.

Spider mites feed on plant sap, causing leaves to dry out and die

Perennials may suffer from rot. In case of severe damage, the plants are destroyed by the roots. To treat perennials, fungicides such as Fundazol, Skor, Impact, Quadris, and Topaz are used.

Rot can be caused by overwatering plants. This problem can be prevented by mulching.

Medicinal properties and contraindications of gravilate

Different parts of the perennial have healing properties. Decoctions, infusions, and powders are prepared from them. Such herbal remedies help with various problems due to their medicinal properties:

• anti-inflammatory;
• wound healing;
• antitumor;
• antiseptic;
• diaphoretic;
• tonic;
• hemostatic;
• increase in potency.

The plant is used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and liver, oral cavity, and rheumatism. A decoction of aerial parts and rhizomes can cure cough, cholecystitis, colitis, and gastritis.

In folk medicine there are products from gravilate for both internal and external use.

Composition and value of the plant

The chemical composition of gravilate depends on its specific type and variety. The roots and rhizomes of the plant are especially rich in various elements. They are especially valuable:

• tannins;
• essential oil with eugenol, glycosides, resins, starch, bitter substances.

The young leaves of the plant are saturated with ascorbic acid, carotene and tannins. The seeds may contain up to 20% fatty oil.

Features of application

Gravilate is used in folk medicine, cosmetology, and the food industry. Each area has its own characteristics.

In folk medicine

Many peoples of the territories where gravilate grows in nature use it for medicinal purposes. From its dry roots you can prepare a universal decoction:

1. Grind the raw materials.
2. Pour 1 tbsp. l. glass of water, keep on low heat for 15 minutes under the lid.
3. Leave the broth for 5-10 minutes, strain.

This remedy is effective for various diseases. Take 1-2 tbsp orally. l., externally for rinsing.

In cosmetology

The healing properties of the plant have found their application in cosmetology:

• to normalize sweating and improve skin condition, baths with herbal decoction are effective;
• hard and old calluses are easily removed by the juice of the plant;
• For oily skin, a mask made from infusion of gravilat (1 tsp per 0.5 liter of water, keep for 30 minutes) and starch (2 tbsp) is useful; the mixed ingredients are infused for 15 minutes and applied for half an hour.

Collection and procurement of raw materials

Gravilata grass is collected at the beginning of flowering, and the rhizomes are collected in early spring or autumn. You need to prepare the material like this:

1. Spread the raw materials in one layer.
2. Dry in a ventilated area or a special dryer. Maximum temperature 45 °C.
3. Place dry raw materials in an airtight container.

The grass can be stored for 1 year, rhizomes three times longer.

Conclusion

Gravilat is a herbaceous plant for open ground.Many of its species can be used in landscape design; growing perennials is not difficult. The healing properties of the plant have found application in folk medicine and cosmetology.

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