Also known as Avens · 677 saves
Geum
Geum, the genus most gardeners know as avens. We track 20 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 17 most-saved Geum varieties
Browse all 20 Geum varieties →
6 species of Geum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Geum in Sow
Save the Geum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Geum
Whats common across all Geum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 20 most-grown of them.
The Geum year
- DivideApril and October95% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor.
- Spring CleanupMarch and April85% of varieties
Cut back old or tattered semi-evergreen foliage before new growth begins.
- DeadheadJune–August75% of varieties
Remove spent flower stems down to the basal foliage to encourage rebloom.
- PlantApril, May, October and November30% of varieties
Plant container stock in spring after frost or in early fall.
- FertilizeApril30% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer as new growth emerges.
Do
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote reblooming
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall
- Don't forget to remove dead or diseased foliage
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season to prevent weak growth
What goes wrong with Geum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clustering on new growth, sticky residue | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides and yellow stippling on foliage during hot, dry weather. | Increase local humidity and spray the foliage thoroughly with water or neem oil. |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Slugs | Holes in leaves and slime trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick during evening hours |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur fungicide |
| Root rot | Collapse of the crown in poorly drained ground, mainly over winter | Improve drainage or replant on a slope or raised bed |
| Powdery mildew | A white, powdery fungal coating on the surfaces of leaves and stems in late summer. | Ensure adequate spacing for air circulation and water at the base to keep foliage dry. |
Making more Geum
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall.
- Separate clumps with a sharp knife into smaller sections.
- Replant divisions immediately at same depth.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring, taking care not to bury too deep.
- Maintain consistent moisture for 2-3 weeks until germination occurs.
Geum questions
How many types of Geum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 20 distinct Geum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 677 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Geum grow in?
Across its varieties, Geum covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Geum bloom?
Most Geum varieties bloom in late spring, early summer, late spring to late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Geum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.