Geum aleppicum (yellow avens) — Cushion or Mound Forming

Overview

Geum aleppicum is a cushion or mound forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Geum, part of the Rosaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1 metres tall. Geum aleppicum 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 aleppicum, commonly called yellow avens or common avens is a flowering plant native to most of the temperate Northern Hemisphere, from eastern Europe across Asia and North America. It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 1 m tall with pinnate leaves. The flowers are 2 cm diameter, yellow, with five to seven toothed petals. There are two subspecies: Geum aleppicum subsp. aleppicum. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include gravel, rock, beds and borders, cottage/informal and low maintenance. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and east, west and south aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geum aleppicum

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 aleppicum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Cushion or Mound Forming
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Height: 1 metres
Suggested uses: Gravel, Rock, Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geum aleppicum

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 aleppicum?

Geum aleppicum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Geum aleppicum need?

Geum aleppicum 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.

How big does Geum aleppicum grow?

Geum aleppicum reaches a height of 1 metres.

Is Geum aleppicum hardy in the UK?

Geum aleppicum 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 aleppicum?

Division.

More in the Geum genus

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