Geum rivale (Water Avens)
Water Avens, Chocolate Root, Indian Chocolate, Purple Avens
A moisture-loving plant, Geum rivale (Water Avens) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial boasting drooping, bell-shaped, ivory to pink flowers, 3/4 in. across (2 cm), from late spring to late summer. Both flower stems and sepals are flushed with dark red. Borne at the tip of long, upright stems, they rise enthusiastically above the downy foliage of large, bright green, lobed basal leaves. Noted for its long flowering period, Geum rivale is useful as a ground cover for cool wet areas where many other plants often struggle. If boiled, its roots yield a liquid that tastes faintly like chocolate.
- Grows up to 9-18 in. tall (22-45 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm).
- Thrives in full sun to part shade in moist to wet, well-drained soils.
- Excellent choice for borders, gravel and rock gardens, prairies and meadows and cottage gardens.
- Hardy, Water Avens is deer resistant, but attracts butterflies.
- Divide every few years to avoid congestion. Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in winter or propagate by division in spring or autumn. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage additional bloom.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for leaf miners, sawflies or powdery mildew.
- Native to Europe, northeastern America.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Geum - Avens |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 9" – 2' (22cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 6" – 12" (15cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United Kingdom, United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, West Virginia, Southwest, New Mexico |
Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers, Ponds and Streams, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
By ANGHI, Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH, mcajan, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Geum - Avens |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 9" – 2' (22cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 6" – 12" (15cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United Kingdom, United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, West Virginia, Southwest, New Mexico |
Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers, Ponds and Streams, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |