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Herbaceous Perennial

Geum 'Farmer John Cross'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

avens 'Farmer John Cross'

A clump-forming perennial, to around 40cm high in flower, forming a low mound of wrinkled, deeply lobed green leaves with toothed edges. Nodding, golden yellow flowers with dark red calyces are borne on reddish stems above the foliage from late spring to late summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Geum are rhizomatous perennials, occasionally spreading by stolons, with a basal rosette of pinnately lobed leaves and saucer-shaped flowers in loose clusters

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; will tolerate light shade but flowering is better in sun. Avoid areas that are waterlogged over winter. Divide every three years or so to maintain vigour

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Deadhead regularly to encourage more flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to geum sawfly

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews

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