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Geum rivale (Water Avens)

Water Avens, Chocolate Root, Indian Chocolate, Purple Avens

Geum rivale, Water Avens, Chocolate Root,  Indian Chocolate, Purple Avens
Geum rivale, Water Avens, Chocolate Root,  Indian Chocolate, Purple Avens
Geum rivale, 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.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Geum
Common names Geum, Chocolate Root, Avens
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 9" - 2'
(23cm - 60cm)
Spread 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spacing 6" - 12"
(15cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom, United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Midwest, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Washington, West Virginia, Southwest, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Geum ‘Gimlet’ (Avens)
Geum ‘Alabama Slammer’ (Avens)
Geum ‘Double Bloody Mary’ (Avens)
Geum ‘Dark and Stormy’ (Avens)
Geum ‘Flore Plena Sunrise’ (Avens)
Geum ‘Wet Kiss’ (Avens)

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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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Geum
Common names Geum, Chocolate Root, Avens
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 9" - 2'
(23cm - 60cm)
Spread 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spacing 6" - 12"
(15cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom, United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Midwest, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Washington, West Virginia, Southwest, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Geum (Avens)
Guides with
Geum (Avens)
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