About
Geum chiloense, the Chilo� Island avens, is a clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial to 60 cm with deeply lobed and toothed, divided, hairy leaves. Scarlet, saucer-shaped flowers are borne freely from early to late summer on upright stems. One of the most vibrant of all avens, and the parent of many popular red-flowered garden cultivars.
About the genus
Geum, the avens, are rhizomatous perennials, occasionally spreading by stolons, with a basal rosette of pinnately lobed leaves and saucer-shaped flowers in loose clusters on upright or arching stems, mainly in spring and summer, in shades of yellow, orange, red and white.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toS Europe, SW Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in a moist but well-drained soil, rich in organic matter, in sun or even a certain amount of shade. Divide every few years to avoid congestion
PruningDeadhead to promote more blooms, and cut back old stems after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf miners, aphids and geum sawfly larvae
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildew