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Herbaceous PerennialAlpine Rockery

Geum reptans
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

creeping avens

A clump-forming, spreading perennial, to around 15cm high, spreading by slender red-tinted stolons, with rosettes of pinnate leaves divided into toothed leaflets. Large, bright yellow flowers to 4cm across in early summer, are followed by tufted pinkish seed heads

Other common names
cure-all
drooping avens
see moreEvans root
yellow bedstraw
Synonyms
Sieversia reptans
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 Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, Spreading branched
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

Correct

Plant range
Alps

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

Propagation

Propagate seed or by division in autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Deadhead regularly to encourage more flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to geum sawfly

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews

Get involved

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