Overview
Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Geum, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
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.
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
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety'
- Propagation
- Division in autumn or spring
- Pest resistance
- Leaf miners, Geum sawfly
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety'?
Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety' need?
Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How big does Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety' grow?
Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety' reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety' hardy in the UK?
Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety' 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 'Leonard's Variety'?
Division in autumn or spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Geum genus
- Geum 'Bell Bank'Avens
- Geum 'Borisii' of gardensavens 'Borisii'
- Geum chiloenseChiloe Island avens
- Geum chiloense 'Lady Stratheden'
- Geum chiloense 'Mrs Bradshaw'
- Geum rivale 'Album'Water Avens
- Geum rivale 'Lionel Cox'Water Avens
- Geum 'Cosmopolitan'Avens