Overview
Geum is a cushion or mound forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Geum, part of the Rosaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Geum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include gravel, rock, beds and borders, cottage/informal and low maintenance.
About
Geum, commonly known as avens or chocolate root, is a genus of rhizomatous herbaceous perennials in the Rosaceae family. These plants form cushions or mounds with semi-evergreen, pinnately lobed foliage arranged in a basal rosette. They produce saucer-shaped blooms in loose clusters during spring and summer. Geum thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to a range of soil types and pH levels, preferring moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H7, it suits various garden settings including gravel, rock gardens, and informal borders.
About the genus
Geum (L.), commonly called avens, is a flowering plant genus of about 60 accepted species and hybrids, within the Rosaceae family in the order of Rosales, in the major group angiosperms. The species of the genus are widely distributed across Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, and New Zealand. They are closely related to Potentilla and Fragaria.
Wikipedia contributors, "Geum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Geum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East, West, South
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Geum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Cushion or Mound Forming
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Gravel, Rock, Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Geum
- Propagation
- Division
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse red spider mite, Aphids, Sawflies
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Geum?
Geum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Geum need?
Geum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalky, loamy and sandy. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Geum hardy in the UK?
Geum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Geum?
Division.
More in the Geum genus
- Geum 'Bell Bank'Avens
- Geum 'Borisii' of gardensavens 'Borisii'
- Geum rivale 'Album'Water Avens
- Geum 'Cosmopolitan'Avens
- Geum 'Massimo Giallo'Avens
- Geum 'Pink Fluffy' (Censation Series)Avens
- Geum 'Tutti Frutti'Avens
- Geum CosmpolitanAvens
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