About
Geum triflorum, grandfather's beard or prairie smoke, is a clump-forming perennial to 45 cm high with grey-green, hairy leaves divided into leaflets. Up to three nodding, cream to purple flowers per stem emerge from reddish-purple buds from early summer, followed by the most ornamental feature � long, feathery, smoky-pink seedheads that persist for weeks. A charming and distinctive prairie perennial.
About the genus
Geum, the avens, are rhizomatous perennials, occasionally spreading by stolons, with a basal rosette of pinnately lobed leaves and saucer-shaped flowers in loose clusters on upright or arching stems, mainly in spring and summer, in shades of yellow, orange, red and white.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toN America
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in a moist but well-drained soil, rich in organic matter, in sun or even a certain amount of shade. Divide every few years to avoid congestion
PruningDeadhead to promote more blooms, and cut back old stems after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf miners, aphids and geum sawfly larvae
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Powdery mildews