Geum 'Tutti Frutti' (Avens) — Clump-forming

Overview

Geum 'Tutti Frutti' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Geum, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Geum 'Tutti Frutti' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates chalk and loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include mixed borders, cottage-style gardens and wildlife-friendly planting schemes.

About

Geum 'Tutti Frutti' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the rose family that flowers from June to August. It has deciduous foliage and is suited to positions in full sun or partial shade. Plant in neutral loam or chalk soils that remain moist but drain freely, preferably in a sheltered, east- to west-facing spot. Its growth habit makes it well suited to mixed borders and cottage-style schemes.

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

A member of the Rosaceae, Geum 'Tutti Frutti' is a clump-forming perennial used widely in temperate planting schemes. It flowers from June to August and, as a deciduous plant, its foliage dies back outside the growing season. Give it a sheltered aspect — east, south or west-facing will all work — and avoid exposed, windy sites. Place Geum 'Tutti Frutti' in neutral chalk or loam soil that is moist but well drained; it tolerates full sun and light shade. Its UK hardiness rating is H6, which corresponds to very hardy, so it will withstand typical winter conditions when grown in an appropriate sheltered spot. Good soil structure and steady moisture are more important than feeding or elaborate care routines. Use this Geum in mixed borders and cottage-style plantings where a summer-flowering perennial is required, or include it in wildlife-friendly schemes to extend flowering through the summer months. Because it forms a discrete clump, it slots well between spring bulbs and later-season perennials, leaving space in either direction as the seasons progress.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geum

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Geum 'Tutti Frutti' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Mixed borders, Cottage-style gardens, Wildlife-friendly planting schemes