GEUM

Offering flowers from late spring into summer, this varied genus of hardy perennials is deservedly growing in popularity

- NAOMI SLADE 

What A genus of around 54 species in the Rosaceae family. Geums are hardy evergreen perennials with showy brightly coloured flowers, and are commonly known as avens.

Origins Native to temperate regions of all continents (apart from Australia and Antarctica), geums are particularly found in a swathe across the Northern Hemisphere, with hotspots in the Balkans and Chile. Many garden forms are cultivated hybrids.

Season Mid-spring to summer with the key months being March to June.

Size Ranging from 15cm to over 80cm high. Plants are either clumping or spreading.

Conditions in general, geums need fertile, moisture-retentive soil. In cultivation, those derived from G.rivale require shade, while cultivars of G. quellyon (previously G. chiloense) can adapt to sun or semi-shade.

Hardiness Geums are generally hardy throughout the UK with an RHS rating of H7, and suitable for gardens in USDA zones 3a to 7b.

Hard-working and handsome, plants from the genus Geum are perfect for their season. Coming into bloom in spring, just as the tree canopy starts to close and earlier plants retreat, geums carry on flowering until all the joys of summer are in full spate. They are hardy, evergreen and resistant to pests and diseases. The edible leaves and clove-scented roots have been used for brewing, baking and in medicinal tinctures to combat chills and catarrh - and even protect against plague. Nowadays, however, it is as a garden subject that Geum is best known and grown.