Scientific Name
Geum aleppicum Jacq.
Common Name(s)
Yellow Avens, Common Avens, Aleppo Avens
Synonym(s)
Geum besserianum, Geum decurrens, Geum giganteum, Geum glabricaule, Geum hispidum, Geum inclinatum, Geum intermedium, Geum potaninii, Geum ranunculoides, Geum rugosum, Geum strictum
Scientific Classification
Family: Rosaceae
Subfamily: Rosoideae
Tribe: Colurieae
Genus: Geum
Flower
Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Early summer
Description
Geum aleppicum is a herbaceous perennial plant with pinnate leaves and yellow flowers with 5 to 7 toothed petals. It grows up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. The inflorescence is a loosely branched terminal cluster of several flowers on long stalks. The flowers are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 3a to 7b: from −40 °F (−40 °C) to 10 °F (−12.2 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Geums flower best in a sunny position with average garden water. However, afternoon shade is essential to keep the plants from being scorched in really hot climates. Good drainage is also important, as Geum is subject to root rot in wet conditions. Otherwise, they are very adaptable to different soil types.
Geum is easily grown by seed sown indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost's average date. However, improved cultivars are readily available in garden centers, so most gardeners choose to start them as transplants. Plant them in good garden soil that has been enriched with compost. They are not considered drought-tolerant and will need weekly water throughout their life.
It's important to note that Geums are short-lived perennials that require division every few years to renew the patch. Otherwise, they will naturally decline and disappear.
Geums are generally grown in front of the border plant, where their low foliage and bright flowers make a cheerful edging to flower beds. Since it is a small plant, masses of one variety are very effective, though they can also be interspersed with other small-statured annuals and perennials for a cottage garden look. Geums are also excellent in potted arrangements and make great cut flowers.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Geum.
Origin
This species is native to the most temperate Northern Hemisphere, from eastern Europe across Asia and North America.
Links
- Back to genus Geum
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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