59 Species of Genus Geum

Geum: A Gardener’s Delight

The world of plants is vast and diverse, filled with intriguing specimens that capture the imagination. As a passionate gardener, I’ve always been drawn to the unique and the beautiful. One genus that has particularly captivated me is Geum, commonly known as avens. These hardy perennials, with their vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, bring a touch of wild charm to any garden.

Geum belongs to the Rosaceae family, which also includes roses, strawberries, and apples. Native to Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, and New Zealand, these plants thrive in a variety of climates. Their adaptability and resilience make them a favorite among gardeners of all skill levels.

A Tapestry of Colors and Forms

What truly sets Geum apart is the sheer diversity within the genus. With over 50 recognized species, there’s a Geum for every taste and garden style. From the fiery orange blooms of Geum coccineum to the delicate white petals of Geum canadense, the color palette is extensive. The flowers themselves come in a variety of forms, with some species boasting single blooms while others display double or semi-double flowers.

One of my personal favorites is Geum rivale, also known as water avens. This species thrives in moist environments and produces nodding, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink and orange. I’ve planted it near my pond, where it adds a touch of whimsy to the water’s edge.

Another standout is Geum chiloense, a Chilean native that boasts large, showy flowers in vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. This species is a real showstopper in the garden, attracting pollinators and admiring glances alike.

Cultivating Geum: A Rewarding Endeavor

Geum are relatively low-maintenance plants, making them a joy to cultivate. They prefer well-drained soil and thrive in full sun to partial shade. While they are drought-tolerant, regular watering will encourage more vigorous growth and flowering. Deadheading spent blooms will also prolong the flowering season and prevent unwanted self-seeding.

Propagation is typically done through division or seed. Dividing established clumps every few years helps maintain plant vigor and provides new plants to share with friends and fellow gardeners. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors for later transplanting.

A Haven for Pollinators

Geum are not only a feast for the eyes but also a valuable resource for pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects are drawn to their nectar-rich blooms. By incorporating Geum into your garden, you contribute to the health of the local ecosystem and support biodiversity.

A Selection of Geum Species

The genus Geum encompasses a wide array of species, each with its own unique characteristics:

  1. Geum aequilobatum K.M.Purohit & Panigrahi
  2. Geum aleppicum Jacq.
  3. Geum andicola (Phil.) Reiche
  4. Geum × aurantiacum Fr. ex Scheutz
  5. Geum boliviense Focke
  6. Geum brevicarpellatum F.Bolle
  7. Geum bulgaricum Pančić
  8. Geum calthifolium Menzies ex Sm.
  9. Geum canadense Jacq.
  10. Geum capense Thunb.
  11. Geum × catlingii J.-P.Bernard & R.Gauthier
  12. Geum coccineum Sm.
  13. Geum × convallis M.P.Wilcox
  14. Geum × cortlandicum M.Hough
  15. Geum elatum Wall. ex G.Don
  16. Geum geniculatum Michx.
  17. Geum glaciale Adams ex Fisch.
  18. Geum × gonzaloi J.L.Lozano & Serra
  19. Geum × hainesianum M.Hough, A.V.Gilman & Chapm.-Lam
  20. Geum heterocarpum Boiss.
  21. Geum hispidum Fr.
  22. Geum × intermedium Ehrh.
  23. Geum japonicum Thunb.
  24. Geum kokanicum Regel & Schmalh.
  25. Geum laciniatum Murray
  26. Geum latilobum Sommier & Levier
  27. Geum × macneillii J.-P.Bernard & R.Gauthier
  28. Geum × macranthum (Kearney ex Rydb.) B.Boivin
  29. Geum macrophyllum Willd.
  30. Geum macrosepalum Ludlow
  31. Geum magellanicum Comm. ex Pers.
  32. Geum × meinshausenii Gams
  33. Geum mexicanum Rydb.
  34. Geum molle Vis. & Pančić
  35. Geum montanum L.
  36. Geum peckii Pursh
  37. Geum peruvianum Focke
  38. Geum × pulchrum Fernald
  39. Geum pyrenaicum Mill.
  40. Geum quellyon Sweet
  41. Geum radiatum Michx.
  42. Geum reptans L.
  43. Geum rhodopeum Stoj. & Stef.
  44. Geum riojense F.Bolle
  45. Geum rivale L.
  46. Geum rossii (R.Br.) Ser.
  47. Geum roylei Wall.
  48. Geum rubrum (Ludlow) Khuroo, K.Hussain & Gulzar
  49. Geum schofieldii Calder & Roy L.Taylor
  50. Geum sikkimense Prain
  51. Geum speciosum (Albov) Albov
  52. Geum × spurium C.A.Mey.
  53. Geum × sudeticum Tausch
  54. Geum sunhangii D.G.Zhang, T.Deng, Z.Y.Lv & Z.M.Li
  55. Geum sylvaticum Pourr.
  56. Geum triflorum Pursh
  57. Geum urbanum L.
  58. Geum vernum (Raf.) Torr. & A.Gray
  59. Geum virginianum L.

In Conclusion

Geum, with its vibrant blooms and adaptable nature, has earned a special place in my heart and my garden. These resilient plants bring a touch of wild beauty to any landscape, attracting pollinators and delighting the senses. As I continue to cultivate and explore the diverse world of Geum, I’m constantly reminded of the wonders that the plant kingdom holds.

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