Geum rivale (Water avens) — Bushy

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 H5. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and woodland edges.

About

Geum rivale, the water avens, is a flowering plant in the genus Geum within the family Rosaceae. Other names of the plant are nodding avens, drooping avens, cure-all, water flower and Indian chocolate. It is native to the temperate regions of Europe, Central Asia and parts of North America, where it is known as the purple avens. It grows in bogs and damp meadows, and produces nodding red flowers from May to September. It grows to around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geum rivale

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

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: H5

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: Borders, Cottage gardens, Woodland edges

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geum rivale

Propagation: Division, Seed
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

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 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 an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.