Overview
Geum rivale is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Geum, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Geum rivale grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe, Asia and America.
About
Geum rivale is a herbaceous perennial characterized by its vibrant green lobed basal leaves. The flower stems and sepals exhibit a deep red hue, while the pendulous blooms, in shades of dusky pink or soft orange, emerge from late spring and persist into midsummer.
About the genus
Geum consists of rhizomatous perennials that may also propagate through stolons. They feature a basal rosette of pinnately lobed foliage and produce saucer-shaped blooms arranged in loose clusters.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Geum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Geum rivale size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, Asia, America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Geum rivale
- Cultivation
- A moisture-loving perennial that will tolerate most soils, rich in organic matter, in sun or even a certain amount of shade. Divide every few years to avoid congestion
- Pruning
- Cut back the old stems after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in winter or propagate by division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to geum sawfly and leaf miners
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Geum rivale?
A moisture-loving perennial that will tolerate most soils, rich in organic matter, in sun or even a certain amount of shade. Divide every few years to avoid congestion.
Where is the best place to plant Geum rivale?
Geum rivale prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Geum rivale need?
Geum rivale is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam, sand and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Geum rivale?
Cut back the old stems after flowering.
How big does Geum rivale grow?
Geum rivale reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Geum rivale hardy in the UK?
Geum rivale has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Geum rivale?
Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in winter or propagate by division in spring or autumn.
Is Geum rivale good for pollinators?
Yes — Geum rivale attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.