Family: Rosaceae
Common Name: Avens

Regularly found growing in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, this genus consists of around 40 species of hardy, perennial plants, valued for their attractive blooms and long-flowering period from late spring until early autumn. The showy flowers, in double or single form, arise from basal rosettes of hairy, lobed leaves and come in shades of white, yellow and red.

Species

G. chiloense, zone 7, 30-60 cm (12-24 in), has larger leaves and upright, scarlet dowers. Named geum cultivars (zone 7): 'Dolly North' has orange flowers; 'Fire Opal' has single, orange flowers overlaid with red; 'Prince of Orange' has bright orange flowers; and 'Red Wings' produces semidouble, bright scarlet tlowers. 'Mrs J. Bradshaw', with small sprays of double scarlet flowers, and 'Lady Stratheden', with double, yellow-orange flowers, are the cul­tivars most grown.

G. coccineum, zone 5, to 1 m (3 ft), produces single, red flowers with yel­low filaments.

G. rivale, Indian chocolate or purple avens, zone 3, to 60 cm (24 in), has nodding, dull orange-pink flowers, with purple calyces.

G. urbanum, zone 6, cloveroot or herb Bennet, grows to 1 m (3 ft), with erect, toothed leaflets and yellow flowers with green calyces.

Cultivation

These plants will thrive in a posi­tion that receives morning sun but is shaded in the afternoon, in a moderately rich soil. Sow seed from autumn until early winter in mild cli­mates. Seedlings transplant easily, and should be spaced 30 cm (12 in) apart. Division of an existing clump in late winter is the easiest method of propagation. Water well during the growing season, especially in dry weather.
Although perennials, Geum species can be treated as annuals in warmer climates. Plants retained for further flowering should be cut back in late winter to early spring.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.