Geums are popular hardy perennials that can flower from late spring into summer, providing a burst of colour in borders and pots. They come in a range of flowering colours but are typically available in shades of orange, red, yellow and pink. They are popular with bees and other pollinators, and make excellent cut flowers.
Where to grow geums
Cultivated geums come from either Geum rivale or Geum chiloense. Geum rivale (water avens) is native to the British Isles and is typically found at the edge of ponds and streams. It therefore thrives in moisture-retentive soil. Geum chiloense is native to Chile and requires a more free-draining soil. Cultivated varieties can cope with more sunshine but their semi-evergreen foliage is easily scorched in hot weather. All geums struggle in very dry soils or in a baking hot sun.
The best place to plant geums is towards the front of a border. Grow in conjunction with forget-me-nots, hellebores and other spring-flowering plants. They can be grown in pots but do best in the ground.
When to plant geums
The best time to plant geums is in mid- to late spring, when the soil has warmed up from winter but is hopefully still moist. You can plant in summer but will need to water the plant regularly so it becomes established. Avoid planting in autumn or winter as very wet soil could threaten the health of the plant.
How to plant geums
Improve the water retentiveness of the soil by digging in plenty of organic matter before planting. Dig a planting hole slightly larger than the rootball, and plant it into position. Replace soil around the rootball, firm it with your hands and water well. In dry conditions, water regularly until established.
How to care for geums
If conditions are dry, water regularly (ideally with grey water or water from a water butt). Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
When to divide geums
Geums should be divided every three years. This encourages strong growth and plenty of flowers. If you fail to divide geums they’ll become woody and may die.
How to prune geums
Cut the old flowering stems right back to the base of the plant. This should encourage plants to produce more flowers. Alternatively, you can leave them to set seed.
How to propagate geums
Geums spread by rhizomes. Side shoots are easy to dig up and can be replanted in the garden. Plants can also be divided in spring and will propagate themselves naturally around your garden by setting seed.
Pests and diseases
Geums are trouble-free plants – even deer and slugs aren’t interested in them. But, if grown in containers, they can be susceptible to vine weevil. Vine weevil damage is simple to detect. Adult weevils eat notches out of the foliage from spring to late summer. Vine weevil grubs eat the roots, often causing the plant to die. Burn affected plants or treat with nematodes.
Advice on buying geums
- Make sure you’re buying the right geum for the right spot – cultivated varieties of Geum rivale need a moist soil in partial shade, while those of Geum chiloense can cope with more sun
- Always check plants for signs of pests or diseases before planting
Where to buy geums
Geum varieties to grow
- Geum rivale ‘Leonard’s Variety’ – ideal for shade or semi-shade. Identified by their nodding semi-double flowers of a rusty soft red colour. Height x Spread: 70cm x 45cm
- Geum coccineum ‘Koi’ – an alpine type with shocking orange flowers. H x S: 50cm x 50cm
- Geum ‘Mrs J. Bradshaw’ – bright red summer flowers. Does well in full sun. H x S: 60cm x 50cm
- Geum ‘Firefinch’ – enjoys a cool spot. Apricot flowers H x S: 35cm x 50cm
- Geum ‘Totally Tangerine – bright orange flowers. Suitable for a sunnier spot. H x S: 90cm x 60cm
Frequently asked questions
What is wrong with my geum?
Geums are generally problem free, but they do require moist, well-drained soil. They can suffer in heavy clay soils, especially if they sit in water during the winter.
Do geums come back each year?
Yes, geums are perennial plants, so should come back each year as long as the soil isn’t too wet in winter.
