Geum — 9 species

Geum, commonly called avens, are clump-forming herbaceous perennials beloved in cottage and cut-flower gardens for their long-blooming, nodding flowers. Cultivars such as 'Mrs Bradshaw', 'Scarlet Tempest', and Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety' produce warm red, orange, and salmon blooms on wiry stems from late spring into summer. They prefer a position in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, watering moderately and allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings to avoid root rot. All Geum species are toxic to cats and dogs and should not be planted where pets graze freely.