Geum (avens)
Geums are colourful, cheerful and easy-to-grow, popular hardy perennials. The flowers remind me of the strawberry plant; pretty and simply shaped, some produce dangling cup-shaped bells while others raise their heads revealing perfect rosettes, popular with bees and butterflies.
Left to right: Geum 'Cosmopolitan', Geum 'Georgenberg', Geum 'Lissane', Geum 'Borisii'
Types of Geums
The Geums chiloense side of the family reach a height of 50cm and bloom from May onwards. Geums that are shorter and have bell-shaped flowers are often raised from Geums rivale, a native damp soil dweller. There are many other species of Geums, mix them up, and you get a wonderful range of plants, including those that were introduced as the 'Cocktail Series' – 'Cosmopolitan', 'Mai Tai' and 'Tequilla Sunrise'.
Left to right: short Geum - Geum rivale 'Album', Geum 'Lemon Drops', Geum 'Bell Bank', Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety'
Left to right: tall Geum - Geum 'Prinses Juliana', Geum 'Mrs J. Bradshaw', Geum 'Totally Tangerine', Geum 'Lady Stratheden'
When do Geums Flower?
Geums flower between April to October, depending on the variety. Geum chiloense for example start in May. Geum rivale from April to early June. A typical avens plant has rosette-shaped flowers that are generally yellow, peach, orange, and red.
Geum Leaves and Appearance
They have semi-evergreen foliage that may die back during winter when temperatures drop below freezing. The colour of the stem and the leaf texture varies between the parent plant species, but generally the rosette-like flower will be carried on tall, slender stems over mounds of leaves. Because of the slender stem, many flowers rarely stand straight, and will have a slight (or significant) droop.
Where do Geums Come From?
This group of hardy perennials is widespread, native to many continents except Australia and Antarctica. Hybrids raised from G. rivale are native to the UK, and can be found growing in our moist and boggy soils.
Geum 'Mai Tai' with Stachys byzantina, Geranium sanguineium 'Album' and annual Forget-me-nots
Geum 'Prinses Juliana' with Polygonatum x hybridum
Geum 'Flames Of Passion' with Geranium 'Prelude'
The name Geum originates from an old Greek word for taste/smell, and it was given because of the plant root’s distinct taste and aroma, which is similar to cloves. That’s right, Avens are quite edible and have been used as ingredients in baking, brewing, and medicine throughout history. I however use them mainly for cut flower arrangements.
Geum Planting Guide
Where To Grow Geums
This hardy perennial thrives in moist, boggy soils and this is mostly the case for all Geum, but the types such as G. ‘Mrs Bradshaw’ will cope with dryer, well-drained soils. They are happy in sun or partial shade. Whether the flowers are red, yellow, orange or a blend of all, Geums require a soil that does not become baked hard during summer, and they don’t mind a certain amount of shade.
How to Plant Geums
You can buy these perennials online in a pot or with bare roots, ready for planting in the soil when they arrive. They’re best grown in the ground, rather than containers. If your soil is well draining, incorporate organic matter (such as mulch) before planting to increase the retention.
Geums Care Guide
Avens are very easy to care for and do not need fertilising or staking. If they do dry out during hot summers, they are easily revived with a good watering
Pruning
I try to cut the flower stems back once the flowers have faded to encourage more blooms and prevent new seedlings from germinating – unless this is what you want, of course (just be aware Geum are promiscuous and hybridise easily). It is best to divide short, carpet forming Avens every 3 or so years to keep them vigorous.
Pests
As hardy perennials, they are relatively disease free, and slugs don’t pay them much attention. The main enemy of the Geum is the vine weevil, whose grubs will nip at the rhizomes.
Are Geums Invasive? Do they spread far?
They are certainly not. They are only prolific self seeders that can spread by their rhizomes underground. You would not have difficulty removing any unwanted offspring if you deadhead the flowers.
Geums Look Good With
They are perfect for the front or middle of a border with spring flowering plants, woodland plants, short colourful plants.
