Geum 'Cosmopolitan' (Avens) — Mounding, Clump-forming

Overview

Geum 'Cosmopolitan' is a plant with a mounding, clump-forming habit in the genus Geum, part of the Rosaceae family, with green, basal rosettes foliage. Geum 'Cosmopolitan' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and cottage gardens.

About

Geum 'Cosmopolitan' is a mounding, clump-forming perennial in the Rosaceae family that grows from basal rosettes of green leaves. It flowers from June to August. Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils, and give a sheltered south-, east- or west-facing position. It is rated H5 for UK hardiness and suits borders, containers and cottage gardens.

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

A member of the Geum genus within the Rosaceae, Geum 'Cosmopolitan' forms tidy clumps from basal rosettes of green foliage and produces its display in the main summer months. Flowering runs from June to August, after which the foliage remains the garden’s structural element. The cultivar’s mounding habit makes the leaf rosette an important feature outside the bloom period. Site it in full sun or partial shade on loam or sandy soils that hold moisture yet drain freely; avoid waterlogged positions. It tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline soils, but prefers a sheltered aspect on south, east or west-facing sites to reduce exposure. The H5 rating indicates it is hardy in most UK garden situations, so planting-out after risk of severe frost is usually suitable. Use Geum 'Cosmopolitan' at the front of mixed borders, in cottage-style plantings or in containers where its clump-forming habit fills gaps between later-flowering perennials. In containers choose a free-draining compost with a regular watering routine so the rootzone stays moist but not saturated. Place where the basal rosettes are visible, as they provide season-long structure before and after the June–August flowering window.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geum

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South, East, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Geum 'Cosmopolitan' size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Mounding, Clump-forming
Foliage: Green, Basal rosettes
Suggested uses: Borders, Containers, Cottage gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geum 'Cosmopolitan'

Propagation: Division, Seed
Pest resistance: High
Disease resistance: High

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Geum 'Cosmopolitan'?

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

What soil does Geum 'Cosmopolitan' need?

Geum 'Cosmopolitan' grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Geum 'Cosmopolitan' hardy in the UK?

Geum 'Cosmopolitan' 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 'Cosmopolitan'?

Division, Seed.

More in the Geum genus

Browse all Geum →