Geums (Avens)

Geum: The Low-Maintenance, Versatile Plant for Your Garden
The Geum genus (commonly called Avens) is a group of rhizomatous perennial herbaceous plants in the rose family (Rosaceae). It grows across temperate regions worldwide; Geum is native to Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, and New Zealand. With over 50 Geum species, it’s no surprise gardeners use Avens in many styles and climates.

This low-maintenance perennial provides a long season of color with minimal effort, blooming from late spring to early summer and again in the fall. Most Geums are hardy in USDA zones 5–9 and can tolerate a range of temperatures, making them suitable for many climates.

Signature Features: Why Gardeners Fall for Geum
Geum stands out for its color, texture, and movement without requiring constant attention. This plant typically produces rosettes of semi-evergreen or deciduous foliage. The divided dark green leaves are often pinnately lobed, giving them a textured appearance. The foliage can range from bright green to a more muted shade and may sometimes have a hairy surface.

Depending on the variety, Avens can range in height from about 12 inches to over 2 feet, making them suitable for both the front and middle of borders.

The Striking Floral Display of Geums
Geums have interesting foliage, but their most striking feature is undoubtedly their (cut) flowers. These are typically produced on wiry, upright stems that tower above the foliage. The blooms can be single, semi-double, or double and come in shades of yellow, orange, red, and occasionally pink or cream.

Geum flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, with some species featuring “nectar guides” visible only under ultraviolet light.

From Cottage Gardens to Modern Borders: Is Geum Right for You?
Avens is right for any gardener who wants reliable early-season color, tidy growth, and flowers that work in almost any style. Geum is often used in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and rock gardens where you need compact plants that bloom strongly.

Geum often fits your space if you want:

• A cheerful flower that doesn’t require constant care.
• A strong seasonal color during late spring and early summer that pairs easily with other perennials.
• A plant that looks good even between bloom cycles.

What Are the Different Varieties of Geum?
Different Geum varieties change your garden’s look with their color, flower shape, and growth habits, from Geum “Chiloense Mrs Bradshaw” to Geum “Rivale.” They offer a range of colors and forms that can enhance various garden designs. Some beautiful varieties DutchGrown offers are:

• Geum “Mai Tai”: This clump-forming perennial showcases double, fruity-looking flowers in an enticing blend of apricot and yellow-orange.
• Geum “Cosmopolitan”: This variety boasts semi-double flowers that resemble miniature roses and offer a delightful blend of rose pink, cream, and apricot hues.
• Geum “Tequila Sunrise”: These medium-sized flowers boast an attractive blend of yellow petals and delicate pink edges, which will add a touch of cheer to your garden.
• Geum “Totally Tangerine”: This variety features semi-double orange blooms on tall, branching flower stalks.

Can't decide which type to choose? Then why not try the Geum “Cocktail Series Mix”? This mix features the delightful Avens varieties: Cosmopolitan, Mai Tai, and Tequila Sunrise, each contributing its own allure to create a harmonious, dynamic display.

How to Grow Avens Flowers?
You grow Geum successfully by giving it sun, a cool spot, good soil drainage, and steady moisture during the growing season. You can plant Avens bare roots in the garden or in a container by following the simple step-by-step plan below, or read our growing guide “How to Grow Geum”.

1. Pick the right spot: Choose full sun to partial shade with good airflow and access to water. These hardy plants can withstand cold, making them a great fit for temperate climates.
2. Prepare the soil: Dig and clear weeds from your garden bed. Aim for humus-rich, fertile ground. Avoid poorly drained soils. When planting in containers, use soil-based or multipurpose compost.
3. Prepare the roots: Soak the Geum roots in water for 3-6 hours before planting.
4. Plant at the right depth: Plant the roots fully submerged, with the buds or crown just below the surface. Leave any top growth or leaves exposed. Space the plants about 12 inches apart.
5. Water carefully: Water thoroughly after planting.

How to Care for Geum Plants?
Taking care of your Avens plants is key to growing beautiful flowers. Their care stays simple: remove spent flowers, keep soil evenly moist, and refresh the clump over time. With the right routine, Avens continue to bloom and stay tidy in the garden. Use these essentials:

• Watering: Keep the roots well-watered during their first growing season. Regular watering is essential for Geum, especially during dry periods, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.
• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage a second flush of flowers and maintain a neat appearance.
• Winter protection: In cold climates, mulch around the base of the plant to protect it over winter. Keep an eye out for wet ground, as it can cause root rot.
• Division: Divide them every 2–3 years to maintain vigor.

Explore Dutchgrown’s Top-Quality Geum Bare Roots
If you want Geum that performs the way it should, start with quality. At DutchGrown, we focus on top-size Avens bare roots chosen for real garden results.

You’ll find carefully selected plants that help you build borders you’re proud of, season after season. Explore our Geum collection and choose the varieties that suit your garden style—so you can enjoy color from late spring through early summer, with a second flush when conditions stay right. We ship throughout the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Avens Plant

Where Is the Best Place to Plant Geum?
Geums generally prefer cool, moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Avoid wet winter soils to prevent root rot. Choose a fertile, humus-rich bed or use soil-based or multipurpose compost when planting in containers. These hardy perennials handle cold well and perform reliably in temperate climates, usually thriving in USDA Zones 5–9.

Do Geums Come Back Every Year?
Geums can come back every year when you grow them in the right conditions. Avens is a hardy perennial that returns from its roots each spring, especially in USDA Zones 5–9. Plant it in full sun to partial shade and give it moist, well-drained soil to keep it strong. Divide older clumps every 2–3 years to help them stay vigorous.

Is Geum Invasive?
Many Geum garden cultivars stay well-behaved, forming neat clumps without aggressive spreading. However, some species, especially Wood Avens (Geum “Urbanum”), can act like an invasive, non-native weed in certain regions, spreading quickly by seed and crowding out other plants.