Geum 'Bell Bank' (Avens) — perennial

Overview

Geum 'Bell Bank' is a perennial in the genus Geum, part of the Rosaceae family. Geum 'Bell Bank' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and cut flowers.

About

Geum 'Bell Bank' is a named cultivar in the genus Geum (family Rosaceae), commonly placed among the avens. It produces flowers on wiry stems emerging from a basal rosette and flowers in the UK from June to August. The genus includes blooms in ranges of white, red, yellow and orange, a palette that this cultivar follows. Geum 'Bell Bank' works well where a summer display of upright flower stems is required.

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

In the garden

Geum 'Bell Bank' belongs to the avens group within the rose family, a genus represented across much of the northern hemisphere. Members of Geum characteristically form a basal rosette of leaves and send up slender flowering stalks that carry the summer blooms; for this cultivar the flowering season in the UK is June to August. Positioning and maintenance should reflect those growth habits: allow room for a clearly defined rosette at ground level and expect the display to come from the taller, wiry stems. Good drainage and a neutral to moderately fertile soil will support steady growth; if the planting becomes congested, lift and divide to renew vigour. Removing spent flower stems during or after the main flush helps tidy the clump and can encourage a cleaner second appearance of blooms before the season ends. Use Geum 'Bell Bank' where its summer flowering habit will be visible from close range — at the front of mixed perennial borders, in informal cottage-groupings, or in containers where the basal leaves form a neat mound. Note the plant’s seasonality: its key contribution to the border is the sustained summer show from June through August, after which attention to spent stems keeps the planting presentable into autumn.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geum

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained
Soil moisture: moist
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Geum 'Bell Bank' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, cut flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geum 'Bell Bank'

Cultivation: Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Water regularly during dry periods.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn, seed

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geum 'Bell Bank'?

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Water regularly during dry periods.

Where is the best place to plant Geum 'Bell Bank'?

Geum 'Bell Bank' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Geum 'Bell Bank' need?

Geum 'Bell Bank' grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Geum 'Bell Bank'?

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming.

Is Geum 'Bell Bank' hardy in the UK?

Geum 'Bell Bank' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Geum 'Bell Bank'?

Division in spring or autumn, seed.

More in the Geum genus

Browse all Geum →