About
Geum rivale, the water avens, is a herbaceous perennial with lime-green, lobed basal leaves. The flower stems and sepals are flushed dark red, and the drooping, dusky-pink or pale-orange, nodding flowers appear from late spring to midsummer, followed by feathery seedheads. A charming and understated native perennial for a moist, partly shaded border.
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, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, Asia, America
Care notes
CultivationA 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
PruningCut back the old stems after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in winter or propagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to geum sawfly and leaf miners
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Powdery mildews