Geum 'Mot29' TUTTI FRUTTI avens

TUTTI FRUTTI is a French variety of avens bred by Julien Caillarec. He is a passionate grower, breeder, and plant specialist who, together with his father Daniel, runs Pépinières Caillarec, a nursery specialising in perennials. This nursery, established in 1991, offers more than 2,500 species, including rare and unique varieties. Julien is renowned for his ecological approach to cultivation, avoiding chemical treatments and emphasising sustainability.

Introduced in 2022, the TUTTI FRUTTI avens is truly enchanting. Its semi-double flowers blend two warm shades—vivid golden yellow and apricot orange. The blooms, about 3–4 cm wide, emerge from reddish buds on well-branched stems, reaching a modest height of just 20–30 cm. They begin flowering as early as late April in warm springs, with the main flush lasting 4–5 weeks. Under favourable conditions and with regular fertilisation, they may rebloom until mid-summer.

TUTTI FRUTTI grows densely, forming compact, mostly basal clumps, reminiscent of the growth habit of one of its parents—water avens (Geum rivale). The leaves are pinnate, bright green, and grow partly upright and partly in basal rosettes, making them an attractive ground cover. While most of the foliage remains evergreen through winter, it is advisable to cut the plant back to the crown in spring. This encourages the growth of new leaves and flower stems. It looks stunning in the foreground of any perennial border or as a colourful, flowering addition among small (dwarf) shrubs. Due to its resilience and low-maintenance nature, it is also ideal for public greenery.

Geum is not demanding in terms of soil. It will thrive in any reasonably drained soil of any pH and fertility. Most types appreciate constant moisture. However, hybrids derived from Geum chiloense (scarlet avens) cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions, whereas those with Geum rivale (water avens) parentage appreciate higher moisture and can even grow in shallow water. With sufficient nutrients, it produces better foliage with a richer green colour. Flowers form reliably even in poorer soils, provided it has enough sun. Nevertheless, feeding every two weeks with organic liquid fertiliser results in more vigorous growth and extended flowering compared to unfed plants. It is hardy to at least -29 °C (USDA zone 5) and suitable for outdoor pots and planters.

Last update 27-04-2025