How to Grow and Care for Geum Avens
Geum chiloense
          
There are many hybrid varieties of Geum chiloense which include Mrs. Bradshaw with 1¾", scarlet red blooms,
Lady Stratheden with semi-double, golden yellow flowers;
and Georgenberg, a long blooming plant with bright orange blossoms. |
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Geums are also commonly known as Avens plants.
They form 16"-18" tall, spreading mounds of evergreen, coarsly textured, dark green leaves.
From May until July they produce leafy, 24" branching stems that hold intensely colored,
solitary, 1"-1¾" flowers
or small clusters of smaller, brightly colored flowers.
Geums are excellent plants for border plantings, rock gardens, and for growing in containers.
These plants are a 'must have' for your Butterfly Garden.
Growing requirements for Geum Plants
Geum chiloense are hardy in USDA zones 5-9
They should be grown in an area that receives at least 6 hours of full sun each day,
but some shade in the heat of the day.
Set plants 12"-18" apart in fertile, well drained soil.
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer once in the spring, when new growth begins.
Deadhead regularly to encourage continued blooming.
Remove any dead leaves as they occur.
Geums can be pruned back hard after blooming to rejuvenate the foliage.
Propagating Geum Plants and Growing them from Seed
Geums should be divided every three or four years in early spring before new growth begins, or in the fall
Sow Geum seeds directly in the garden in the spring or summer, up until 2 months before the first killing frost.
Seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last killing frost.
Maintain a temperature of 68°-86° within the growing medium.
Germination will take from 21 to 28 days.
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Geum 'Mrs. Bradshaw'
Geum chiloense
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