Avens 1 to 11 of 11 total
Avens 1 to 11 of 11 total
Avens
Uses:
- Border Plant
- Container
- Mass Planting
Features:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Cut Flowers
- Long Blooming or Rebloomer
Sunlight:
- Partial Sun to Full Sun
- At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight
Growing Zones:
- 3-9
- What is My Zone?
Known for their bright, cheerful flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow, bloom from late spring to summer, adding vibrant color to the garden. These hardy plants thrive in sunny to partially shaded locations with well-drained soil, making them ideal for borders, rock gardens, or cottage gardens.
About Avens
Genus
Species
Family
Geum
Common species include Geum chiloense (Chilean avens), Geum rivale (water avens) and Geum coccineum (scarlet avens).
Rosaceae
Common Names:
Avens, Herb Bennet, Garden Avens
Native To:
Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, depending on the species.
Plant Type:
Perennials
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3–9
Flower Color:
Yellow, orange, red, pink, and white
Flower Bloom Time:
Late spring to early summer
Growth Habit:
Clump-forming, with upright flower stems rising above basal rosettes of leaves
Attracts:
Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Tolerates:
Avens plants are tolerant of various soil types, including moist, well-drained soils. Some species can tolerate partial shade or full sun.
Resists:
These plants are generally resistant to drought once established and are also deer-resistant.
How To Use Avens In The Garden
With bold orange, red, yellow, or white flowers, Avens also known as geums bring cheerful color to spring and early summer plantings. Many varieties feature cup-shaped or ruffled petals that appeal to pollinators. These herbaceous perennials form clumping mounds of foliage, sometimes evergreen in warmer zones, and generally maintain a tidy height of one to two feet. Their dependable blooming habit and moderate size make them a favorite among gardeners seeking long-lasting seasonal interest.
In landscape designs, geums pair with complementary plants such as salvia, irises, or lady’s mantle, creating a layered border of contrasting textures. They also thrive in rock gardens, where their low profile suits the rugged terrain. Cottage-style beds benefit from Aven’ continuous show of petals, bridging the gap between spring and summer blooms. Planted in containers or alpine beds, geums adapt well to partial shade and reward growers with a steady display of bright flowers.
Avens Care
Avens, or Geum, thrive when planted in full sun to partial shade, with protection from afternoon sun in warmer regions. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water newly planted Avens regularly to establish roots, then provide approximately one inch of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall and soil moisture levels. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support growth and flowering.
Deadhead spent flowers during the blooming season to encourage additional blooms. In colder climates, cut back all growth to a few inches above the ground in the fall, as Avens are herbaceous perennials that die back in winter. For container-grown Avens, ensure pots have drainage holes and use rich potting soil. Feed containers monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season.
Learn More About Avens Care
Avens Companion Plants
Avens grow best in beds that receive full to dappled sun, hold consistent moisture yet drain freely, and avoid winter waterlogging. Native dogwood shrubs supply a light canopy and early blossoms without stealing ground space, whereas clumps of ornamental grass share the same soil preference and inject vertical motion long after avens finish flowering. Cheerful shasta daisies stitches midsummer color through the gaps in sunny spots, while self-seeding zinnias echo the cottage-garden feel and keep pollinators visiting until frost.
