Geum rivale 'Lionel Cox' (Water Avens) — Perennial

Overview

Geum rivale 'Lionel Cox' is a perennial in the genus Geum, part of the Q46299 family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Geum rivale 'Lionel Cox' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7.

About

Geum rivale 'Lionel Cox' is a perennial Geum that prefers moist to wet soils and forms a low clump to about 0.3 m. It flowers in the UK from June to August. Best sited in full sun on sandy, loamy or clay soils that remain moist or seasonally wet. Fully hardy (H7) and suited to a wide range of temperate gardens.

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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 'Lionel Cox' is a perennial cultivar in the genus Geum that reaches roughly 0.3 m and flowers in the UK from June to August. It suits positions where the soil stays reliably moist, whether a moisture-retentive border or a damp hollow at the edge of boggier planting. The compact habit keeps it low to the ground, so it works well in front-of-border positions or alongside other moisture-loving perennials. Choose a site in full sun and any of the common soil types—sandy, loamy or clay—provided the ground does not dry out. Soil may be described as moist but well-drained or seasonally wet; avoid permanently baked or drought-prone spots. It is fully hardy in UK conditions (H7) and corresponds approximately to USDA zones 3–7, so it tolerates cold winters without special protection. Establish plants where their moisture preference can be met and allow a small clump room to expand to around 0.3 m. Thin or divide older clumps if they become congested, and place them where their June–August flowering gives low-level summer structure in damp borders and rain-garden schemes.

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 'Lionel Cox' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 0.3 m

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Geum rivale 'Lionel Cox'?

Geum rivale 'Lionel Cox' prefers full sun.

What soil does Geum rivale 'Lionel Cox' need?

Geum rivale 'Lionel Cox' 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 big does Geum rivale 'Lionel Cox' grow?

Geum rivale 'Lionel Cox' reaches a height of 0.3 m.

Is Geum rivale 'Lionel Cox' hardy in the UK?

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

More in the Geum genus

Browse all Geum →