Red, orange and yellow flowers — double in some species, simple in others — stand above a low carpet of leaves: that is aven (Geum chiloense), a very easy perennial grown as much for its ground cover as for its bloom. Give it ordinary, well-drained soil in sun and it flowers from early summer into early autumn.
| Name | Geum chiloense |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Type | perennial |
| Height | 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) |
| Exposure | full sun, part sun |
| Soil | ordinary, well drained |
| Flowering | early summer to early autumn |
Its yellow, orange and red flowers are very ornamental.
Plant in spring and space plants at least 30 inches (20 cm) from each other.
Mix your earth with special flower plant soil mix.
The article notes that aven exists in several species, some with double flowers and others with simple ones, and that heights vary from creeping carpets to taller clumps. These are the kinds you are most likely to find on sale.
| Variety | Flower | Height | Flowering |
|---|---|---|---|
| ‘Lady Stratheden’ | semi-double golden yellow | 24 in (60 cm) | early summer to midsummer |
| ‘Leonard’s Variety’ | nodding coppery pink bells | 16 in (40 cm) | mid-spring to early summer |
| ‘Totally Tangerine’ | simple apricot-orange | 30 in (75 cm) | late spring to late summer |
| ‘Mrs J. Bradshaw’ | semi-double scarlet red | 24 in (60 cm) | early summer to midsummer |
| ‘Mai Tai’ | ruffled peach and apricot | 18 in (45 cm) | late spring to midsummer |
| ‘Borisii’ | simple bright orange | 12 in (30 cm) | late spring to early summer |
| ‘Koi’ | simple orange-red | 12 in (30 cm) | late spring to midsummer |
Remove wilted flowers regularly (deadheading). Simply pinch them off with your finger or use scissors to snip them from the plant.
This cute perennial that belongs to the Rosaceae family exists in several species. Some have double flowers whereas others have simple flowers. Colors range from red to yellow with all the orange hues in between.
In your garden, aven will form an elegant ground cover of leaves studded with beautiful flowers.
There are quite a few different varieties. Most are creeping and form ground covers, while others grow taller.
Some stems grow quite tall; it makes sense to stake them to avoid having them break due to wind.
