Geum 'Borisii'

Common Name: avens 
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Rosaceae
Zone: 3 to 7
Height: 0.50 to 1.00 feet
Spread: 0.50 to 1.00 feet
Bloom Time: May to July
Bloom Description: Orange
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Tolerate: Deer

Culture

Grow in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, fertile soils. Remove spent flowers to encourage additional bloom, but consider leaving some of the later flowers so that the fluffy seed heads can form. Plants tend to struggle in the summer with the heat and humidity of the deep South (particularly south of USDA Zone 7). Some afternoon shade is best in hot climates such as St. Louis. Wet, poorly drained soils in winter can be fatal. Divide plants in spring as needed to maintain vigor. Foliage is evergreen in southern climates.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Geum is a genus of about 50 species from North and South America, Asia, New Zealand and Africa.

Genus name is the classical Latin name of the group.

'Borisii' is a clump-forming, low-growing plant that features single, cup-shaped, bright orange flowers (to 1.5" across) which appear on wiry, branching stems rising above the foliage to a height of 9-12". Foliage mounds up to 6" high with irregularly lobed, medium green leaves. Long, late spring to early summer bloom period may be extended by prompt removal of spent flower stems. Attractive, fluffy seed heads form after bloom.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. May be short-lived in heavy clay soils and/or hot summer climates.

Uses

Mass in borders or rock gardens. Foliage makes an attractive ground cover after bloom.