Geum rivale 'FLAMES OF PASSION'^®

Avens is a pretty perennial whose wild forms can be found on every continent except Australia. Geum rivale - water avens is a European species found near water streams and on moist meadows with fertile, usually peat-based soil. It is hardy and reliable.

Flames of Passion^® is a 2003 selection of water avens discovered by world famous landscape designer and plant breeder Piet Oudolf from Dutch town Hummelo in 1999. It makes 2-3 cm large, semi-double flowers of pastel red flowers atop about 40 cm tall, dark red stems. They bloom from late May until early July and if regularly dead-headed, strong plants may continue producing stems with more flowers until late summer. PP13730 was issued in 2003.

Basal leaves are rounded, shallowly toothed, fresh green, quite showy, and can make a nice groundcover in mass plantings. They are semi-evergreen in mild winters. Modern avens hybrids and varieties are prolific bloomers and are suited for both city landscapes as well as country gardens.

Water avens prefers moist locations with fertile soil. It can be acidic to neutral. It does best in full sun and a little extra feeding will bring lush foliage but is not necessary for flower production – avens will always flower if grown in full sun. Hardy to min -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 08-10-2019