This perennial’s flowers look like little roses.
Beneath the tall, airy flowers that resemble miniature roses, low-mounding dark green foliage blankets the soil.
Wispy stems and rose-like flowers make avens a charming plant to include incasual, color-packed gardens.
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How and When to Plant Avens
Plant nursery-grown avens or transplant existing plants in spring or fall.
Backfill the hole with soil and gently press down on it to remove air pockets.
Water regularly through the first growing season to develop a robust root system.
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Barely cover them because light aids germination.
Avensseeds can also be started indoorsin cell packs or seed flats filled with seed starting mix.
Sow the seed and barely cover it.
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Provide a steady 68F temperature until the seeds germinate.
When the seedlings are strong enough, transplant them to the garden.
Avens Care Tips
Light
Avens grows best in full sun but can handle part shade.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
In hot regions, provide some afternoon shade.
Soil and Water
Avens must havewell-draining soil.
Improve the drainage of a soggy site prior to planting or plant this perennial in araised-bed garden.
Credit: Andy Lyons
It grows best in average humidity.
The combination of the intense heat and high humidity of the Deep South can be problematic for the plant.
In warm areas, remove any dead or damaged growth but leave healthy stems in place.
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In spring, plant them in alarge potwith excellent drainage using rich, organic potting soil.
Position the pot in full or partial sun.
It will need more frequent watering than in-ground plantseven daily during the hottest weather.
Credit: Doug Hetherington
The plant benefits from a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied monthly during spring and summer.
In most regions, the plant goes dormant in winter and dies back.
Wildlife is another matter.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Deer and rabbits both happily munch on avens any chance they get.
When grown in poorly drained soil, avens are likely to experience root rot.
How to Propagate Avens
Avens can be propagated by division or seed.
Credit: William N. Hopkins
Divisions:Dividing plants in springevery two years promotes vigor.
The divisions will grow and thrive better than a single, three-year-old clump.
Division is also an excellent way to acquire more plants for your garden.
To divide avens, dig up the plant and its roots.
Break off or cut away sections, all of which must contain roots.
Discard any weak or damaged sections.
Put the bag in a warm, dry area until the seeds are completely dry.
Then, shake the bag to loosen the seeds from any chaff.
Sow the seeds outdoors in a prepared bed in the fall for plants the following spring.
Winter will supply the cold stratification the seeds need.
Then, sow them outside.
Barely cover the seeds; they need light to germinate.
Great for cut flowers.
It grows to 12 inches.
‘Red Wings’ Avens
The red semidouble flowers ofGeum’Red Wings' make it distinct.
Flowers grow on strong stems over 2-foot mounds of hairy foliage.
Zones 58
‘Mrs.
J. Bradshaw’ Avens
Geum’Mrs.
J. Bradshaw' bears semidouble orange-scarlet flowers in May and June; extend blooming time by removing spent flowers.
However, where it thrives, it’s a showstopper.
It will reseed prolifically in little cracks, filling an area each spring with dazzling neon yellows.
After it finishes blooming, the grayish-green foliage makes an attractive mat in the perennial garden.
All have the classic, impossibly intricate flowers.
The falls may be “bearded” or not.
Some cultivars bloom a second time in late summer.
Some species prefer alkaline soil, while others prefer acidic soil.
Calliopsis
This underused native wildflower produces airy, daisy-like flowers throughout the summer.
Many gardeners have found it to be deer-resistant, and it’s a charming cut flower.
It’s not fussy about fertilizer and likes ample water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avens begins blooming in midspring and continues blooming for about a month.
Some varieties bloom all the way through the summer.
Extend the bloom time by deadheading spent blooms.
