About
Geum reptans, the creeping avens, is a clump-forming, spreading perennial to around 15 cm high, spreading by slender, red-tinted stolons, with rosettes of pinnate leaves divided into toothed leaflets. Large, bright-yellow flowers to 4 cm across appear in early summer, followed by feathery, pinkish seedheads � ornamental in their own right. A beautiful alpine avens for a sunny, well-drained rock garden.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Alpine Rockery
HabitClump forming, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toAlps
Care notes
CultivationThrives in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; will tolerate light shade but flowering is better in sun. Avoid areas that are waterlogged over winter
PruningDeadhead regularly to encourage more flowers
PropagationPropagate seed or by division in autumn or spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to geum sawfly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews