Geum plants, also known as avens, are a spring blooming perennial with a small and tight habit. These darling little plants are tidy and hold their flowers well above their clean, green foliage. This series of geums is one of our favorites and was introduced by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens. Each member of the cocktail series is named after an alcoholic drink and stands out in different colors and petal count from each other. This list will highlight a few of our top choices.
Geum ‘Sangria’
This is our most used variety from the series! This bright red bloomer lasts longer through the season by lasting from late May into July. The flowers are semi double and face upward. The total plant grows 18-30” tall in flower.
Geum ‘Cosmopolitan’
Perhaps my personal favorite, ‘Cosmopolitan’ is a soft semi-double flowerer. Creamy petals are edged by warm pink and look like mini roses. This pairs well with its tidy size of only 2 feet tall. Like the rest of the series, the sterile flowers last longer than others.
Geum ‘Tequila Sunrise’
For a bright pop of color in springs, look no further than ‘Tequila Sunrise’ avens! Bright, sunny petals are edged with grenadine rose red. This was the second variety developed in the series and blooms May to June. Burgundy stems support the flowers and add more interest between individual blooms. The flowers are single to semi-double. ‘Tequila Sunrise’ is the smallest on the list coming in at a mature height of only 15-18”.
Geum ‘Champagne’
A vigorous and strong perennial with clean, cream colored flowers. Though you may think it’s the most boring on the list, the neutral colored blooms make it a great option for mixing with other perennials. The nodding to side-facing flowers are held about 24” above the ground and has a similar width.
Geums are a favorite of pollinators and you can expect to see bees visiting regularly. Make sure to plant these perennials in a sunny spot with rich soil that may be moist. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid these plants.
References:
Intrinsic Perennial Gardens: https://www.intrinsicperennialgardens.com/plant-programs/ipg-introductions/
