Geum: An Underused Garden Gem

Every now and then, a plant surprises you. It doesn’t shout for attention or dominate magazine covers, but when you plant it? Instant crush.

That’s Geum.

Also called Avens, Geum is one of those quietly spectacular perennials that does a whole lot with very little fuss. From early spring to early summer—and sometimes even again in fall—Geum blooms in a range of warm, welcoming hues. Its tidy mounds of foliage, wiry stems, and bright, nodding blooms make it feel wild yet refined, structured yet breezy.

If you’re looking for colour, movement, and personality in your borders or containers, it might be time to give Geum a proper spot in the garden.

🌼 Why We Love Geum

• Long bloom time (many start in spring and repeat in fall)

• Compact and tidy—ideal for front-of-border planting

• Pollinator-friendly—a bee favourite

• Deer-resistant (they don’t love the fuzzy foliage)

• Works in cottage gardens, modern borders, and everything in between

🌸 Top Geum Varieties to Grow

🔥 Geum ‘Koi’

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

A bold, fiery orange that brings instant warmth to the garden. ‘Koi’ is compact, vibrant, and excellent in containers or front borders. It’s the little spark that makes everything else pop.

🌿 Design tip: Pair with purples or blues for high-contrast wow, or nestle among silver foliage to let it glow.

🍑 Geum ‘Pretticoats Peach’

Bloom time: Spring into early summer

With ruffled, semi-double blooms in soft peach and apricot tones, this variety feels romantic and fresh. The colour deepens slightly as the flower matures, giving lovely depth to arrangements and borders alike.

🌿 Try it with: Salvia, Nepeta, or pale Achillea for a soft, sun-washed palette.

🧡 Geum ‘Tempo Orange’

Bloom time: Spring into summer

This one’s bright, punchy, and totally mood-lifting. Its vivid orange flowers sit high on sturdy, wiry stems that dance in the breeze—perfect for adding movement.

🌿 In the garden: Use it to wake up a cool-toned space or echo hot colours from other spring bloomers.

🌹 Geum ‘Tempo Rose’

Bloom time: Spring to early summer

Soft rose-pink blooms with a golden glow at the centre—‘Tempo Rose’ adds a romantic, slightly vintage note to borders. It blends beautifully with other pastel perennials.

🌿 Pair it with: Geranium ‘Rozanne’, Brunnera, or light pink Dianthus for a gentle, layered look.

🌾 Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke)

Bloom time: Early spring

A native beauty with whimsical character. Its nodding pink blooms give way to feathery seedheads that look like little smoke puffs drifting on a breeze—hence the name. It thrives in dry, lean soil and naturalized spaces.

🌿 Perfect for: Prairie-style gardens, rock gardens, or sunny slopes. Leave seedheads intact for maximum magic.

💡 Growing Tips

• Sun: Full sun to part shade (blooms best in full sun)

• Soil: Well-drained, average to fertile soil

• Water: Moderate moisture—don’t let them dry out in spring

• Maintenance: Deadhead for more blooms; divide every few years to keep plants tidy and vigorous

Final Thoughts: It’s Geum’s Time to Shine

In a garden full of showboats and scene-stealers, Geum is your quietly dazzling best friend. It’s dependable, joyful, and far more versatile than it gets credit for.

So if you’re designing a new border or refreshing an old one, give this humble perennial a try. Whether you go bold with ‘Tempo Orange’, soft with ‘Pretticoats Peach’, or wild with Prairie Smoke, Geum will reward you with bloom after bloom—and a garden that feels just a little more alive.