Geums are perennials that prefer full sun but can handle some shade. Their preference is for moist soil but it must be well draining. This plant forms a low clump of coarse green leaves, with branching stems of blooms held high above its foliage. This makes this plant a striking feature in the garden as the flowers seem to appear from nowhere adding dramatic pops of colour. Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage more buds. Flowers start from spring and continue to the end of summer. Plants may be pruned back hard after blooming, to rejuvenate the foliage. Clumps should be divided every 3 to 4 years in spring or autumn. The tall growing varieties grow to a height of 60cm and are evergreen.
These cool climate plants are under valued and used in Australia. Their low growing foliage tucks in neatly beside irises and roses acting like a living mulch. The flowers and seed heads bob around in the freeze adding interest and texture.
Geums are the perfect addition to cottage gardens, meadow plantings and natural / wild gardens.
Geums are excellent cut flowers. Flowers appear on long airy stems, ideal for adding interest to floral arrangements. For the longest lasting cut flowers, pick when blooms are half open. You can also use these plants for floral arrangements when they have developed their seed pods. No special conditioning is required for their use and you can expect between 5 to 7 days vase life.
Geum 'Prinses Juliana' is loved by florists.
In the garden, team it up with purple flowering plants like Teucrium hircanicum - Iranian Wood Sage.
Geum 'Lady Stratheden' with her double yellow blooms.
In the garden it looks stunning with Eryngium planum 'Blue Sea Holly'.
Geum 'Mrs J. Bradshaw' has orange / red blooms.
You cannot go wrong growing this Geum with blue Forget Me Nots and Ox-eye Daisies.
Growing from Seed
Sow seeds in autumn in a light compost mix to a depth of 5mm. These seeds will need a cold spell to break dormancy and to start the germination process. If you don't live is a cool area, place the seeds in the fridge for six week prior to planting out. Grow seedlings onto a good size before planting out.
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