Avens Geum 'Banana Daiquiri' (Cocktails Series)
ABOUT
The Geum 'Banari Daiquiri' from the Cocktails Series is a charming perennial plant distinguished by its attractive flowering and foliage characteristics. The semi-double flowers are a warm, soft-yellow hue, reminiscent of the color of a banana daiquiri cocktail, from which the plant gets its name. They bloom profusely, creating a vibrant display. The blossoms are held above the foliage on slender, wiry stems, which adds a delicate, airy feel to the plant's presentation. The foliage of the Geum 'Banana Daiquiri' consists of low-growing mounds of green leaves that are typically textured, with a slightly hairy or fuzzy appearance. The leaves are often deeply lobed, giving them a somewhat ruffled look that adds to the plant's overall visual interest. This textural quality provides a lush backdrop for the cheerful yellow blossoms. The plant is well-regarded not only for its bloom but also for the extended flowering period, bringing long-lasting color to garden settings. In combination, the sunny flowers elegantly poised on fine stems above the luxuriant mound of green foliage make Geum 'Banana Daiquiri' a delightful addition to flower beds, borders, and cottage garden designs. Its cheerful and bright appearance can also make it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements, allowing its beauty to be enjoyed both indoors and out.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Avens
Common names
Geum 'Baniquedai'
ToxicityTo humans
Geum 'Banana Daiquiri', commonly known as Avens, does not have a well-documented profile of toxicity to humans. Most Geum species are not known to be poisonous, and there is no significant information suggesting that 'Banana Daiquiri' has toxic properties. However, it is generally advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions that could occur in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Avens, which includes the Geum 'Banana Daiquiri', is not commonly listed as toxic to pets. There is limited information regarding its toxicity, and it is not known to be poisonous to animals. Nevertheless, as with any plant not specifically intended for pet consumption, ingestion can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea in pets, due to the novelty of the plant material. It is always best to prevent pets from eating plants not meant for them to avoid any possible negative effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant yellow flowers to gardens, creating a focal point during its blooming season.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being a hardy perennial that is easy to care for and maintain in a variety of garden conditions.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a long display of flowers from late spring to early summer, extending the colorful interest in gardens.
- Compact Size: Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for small gardens, borders, and containers.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Deer Resistant: Tends to be resistant to grazing by deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements - Geum 'Banana Daiquiri' can be used in cut flower arrangements due to its vibrant yellow blooms and long-lasting nature, adding a splash of color to bouquets.
- Natural Dyes - The petals of the Geum 'Banana Daiquiri' may be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or crafts, offering a range of yellow to orange hues depending on the mordant used.
- Edible Garnish - The flowers of the Geum 'Banana Daiquiri' are edible and can be used to garnish salads, desserts or cocktails, adding a unique aesthetic to culinary creations.
- Garden Themed Art - Artists may use the Geum 'Banana Daiquiri' as inspiration or subject matter for garden-themed artwork, capturing its bright color and form.
- Photography - Due to its striking appearance, this plant can serve as an excellent subject for photographers, especially nature and macro photography enthusiasts.
- Education - Geum 'Banana Daiquiri' can be utilized in educational settings such as schools and botanical gardens to teach about plant biology and hybridization.
- Butterfly Gardens - As Geum 'Banana Daiquiri' attracts butterflies, it can be planted in butterfly gardens to support local biodiversity and butterfly populations.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti - Dried petals of the Geum 'Banani Daiquiri' can be used as biodegradable confetti for celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Companion Planting - This plant can be used in companion planting to enhance garden aesthetics or to possibly deter pests, due to its specific growing requirements and attributes.
- Perfumery - Although not commonly known for scent, subtle fragrance notes from Geum 'Banana Daiquiri' could be explored in the creation of bespoke, natural perfumes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAvens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityAvens is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Celebration: The name 'Banana Daiquiri' evokes a sense of festivity and joy, similar to a refreshing cocktail enjoyed in celebratory settings.
- Warmth: The warm yellow tones of the flowers can symbolize sunshine and happiness, bringing a cheerful presence to any garden.
- Innovation: As part of the Cocktails Series, this plant represents the creativity and experimentation associated with hybridization and the creation of new cultivars.
- Sweetness: Its name, reminiscent of a sweet tropical drink, can be interpreted as a symbol of the sweetness of life and pleasant experiences.
WaterAvens 'Banana Daiquiri' prefers consistently moist soil, so water this plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this will mean watering once or twice a week, but this can vary depending on climate conditions. It is best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth; about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week should suffice for an established plant. During the hottest part of the summer, you may need to increase watering frequency. Always avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases; instead, apply water directly to the base of the plant.
LightAvens 'Banana Daiquiri' thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal location provides at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, with some relief from the intense afternoon sun if you live in a particularly hot climate. Dappled sunlight is also suitable for this plant, as long as it is bright.
TemperatureAvens 'Banana Daiquiri' can handle a temperature range from 0°F to about 80°F. The ideal growing conditions for this plant are between 60°F and 70°F. Protect the plant from extreme cold by providing mulch or covering during unexpected freeze events.
PruningPruning Avens 'Banana Daiquiri' involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage further blooming throughout the growing season. Prune the plant back by half in the midsummer to rejuvenate the foliage and promote a new flush of flowers. The best time for general pruning is in the spring or after the blooming period has ended.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAvens 'Banana Daiquiri' thrives in well-draining garden soil enriched with organic matter with a soil pH ranging from 5.8 to 6.8. A mix containing loam, compost, and peat with some sand or perlite for improved drainage is ideal for sustaining healthy growth.
RepottingAvens 'Banana Daiquiri' does not require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container, with spring being the best time for repotting.
Humidity & MistingAvens 'Banana Daiquiri' prefers average to slightly above average humidity levels but is quite adaptable and does not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Avens in bright indirect light, well-draining soil, keep moderately moist.
Outdoor
Choose sunny spot, enrich soil with compost, water regularly, mulch.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Geum 'Banana Daiquiri' begins with seed germination, where warmth and moisture trigger the development of the seed into a seedling. The seedling grows into a vegetative plant, developing a rosette of leaves and a robust root system. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing bright, showy flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant develops fruit which contains seeds, thus completing the cycle. In suitable conditions, Geum 'Banana Daiquiri' can be a perennial, surviving multiple seasons by undergoing dormancy during colder months and re-emerging in the spring. It can also spread asexually through root division, expanding its presence in the garden.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Geum 'Banana Daiquiri', commonly known as Avens, is commonly propagated through division. The best time to propagate Geum 'Banana Daiquiri' through division is in early spring or late autumn when the plant is not actively blooming. To do this, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring a generous amount of soil is kept around the roots to avoid damage. The root ball should then be gently separated into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots. These divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil with appropriate spacing to accommodate growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. This method allows for the quick establishment of new plants that will mature and bloom within a season or two.
