About
Geum urbanum, wood avens, is a hairy perennial wildflower forming overwintering rosettes of leaves with five or three rounded lobes; the largest lobe at the tip. Simple, yellow, strawberry-like flowers 5�20 mm across appear from May until late autumn, followed by spherical, burred clusters of red-hooked fruits. A useful native perennial for a shaded wildflower garden or naturalistic planting.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Native toEurope to Himalaya
Care notes
CultivationOccurs naturally on a wide range of soils from acid to lime-rich in semi-shaded sites such as woods and hedgerows. A good evergreen for wildlife in a shady spot. See herb bennet for more information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in autumn; self-seeds readily
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free