Geum rivale 'Album' (Water Avens) — Perennial

Overview

Geum rivale 'Album' is a perennial in the genus Geum, part of the Rosaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Geum rivale 'Album' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, moist areas and wild gardens. It is native to Europe.

About

Geum rivale 'Album' is a cultivated form of Geum in the rose family (Rosaceae) that carries the group's summer-flowering habit. It produces its display in the UK from June to August. The cultivar belongs to the water avens group and provides a sequence of blooms across mid to late summer. Plants form clumps that repay attention with a defined flowering window.

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

Geum rivale 'Album' is a garden cultivar within the genus Geum and the Rosaceae family, offering a clear summer display in a compact clump. Flowering occurs in the UK between June and August, making it a reliable mid-season contributor to herbaceous borders and waterside planting schemes. Establish plants where they can be seen during their peak months and give them room to form a small clump; allow new plants to settle before heavy pruning. Propagation is commonly by division of established clumps in a quiet period outside the flowering window, which helps maintain vigour and prevents overcrowding. Routine maintenance consists of removing spent flowers through the summer to keep the clump tidy and to focus the plant's energy into foliage and root development. Use Geum rivale 'Album' in mixed perennial borders, alongside pond margins or in damp ground where summer blooms are appreciated. Its defined June–August flowering season makes it useful for planning succession through the summer: position it where the display will be visible at eye level or as part of a lower-tier planting. Deadhead regularly while flowers are present and consider division in autumn if the crown begins to decline, as that timing avoids disturbing the main summer flowering display.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geum

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Wet
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Geum rivale 'Album' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 0.3 m
Suggested uses: Borders, Moist areas, Wild gardens
Native to: Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geum rivale 'Album'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates wet conditions.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but may not breed true to type.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geum rivale 'Album'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates wet conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Geum rivale 'Album'?

Geum rivale 'Album' prefers full sun.

What soil does Geum rivale 'Album' need?

Geum rivale 'Album' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.

How do I prune Geum rivale 'Album'?

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.

How big does Geum rivale 'Album' grow?

Geum rivale 'Album' reaches a height of 0.3 m.

Is Geum rivale 'Album' hardy in the UK?

Geum rivale 'Album' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Geum rivale 'Album'?

Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but may not breed true to type.

More in the Geum genus

Browse all Geum →