Overview
Geum sylvaticum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Geum, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Geum sylvaticum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and ground cover.
About
Geum sylvaticum is a clump-forming cultivar of the Geum genus, which comprises rhizomatous perennials with pinnately lobed foliage arranged in a basal rosette. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for various garden aspects and exposures. It prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soils, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, wildlife areas, and flower borders, offering interest in spring and summer with its saucer-shaped blooms in loose clusters.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Geum sylvaticum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Geum sylvaticum
- Propagation
- Division in autumn or spring, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Geum sawfly
- Disease resistance
- Downy mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Geum sylvaticum?
Geum sylvaticum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Geum sylvaticum need?
Geum sylvaticum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Geum sylvaticum hardy in the UK?
Geum sylvaticum 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 sylvaticum?
Division in autumn or spring, Seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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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