Avens Geum 'Beech House Apricot'
ABOUT
Geum 'Beech House Apricot' is a perennial plant known for its attractive blooms and foliage. The flowers are a standout feature, characterized by their soft apricot to peach-colored petals that adorn the plant. These blossoms are shaped like small, elegant cups and sit atop slender, branching stems which add a graceful touch to garden beds or borders. The foliage of 'Beech House Apricot' forms a low mound at the base of the plant, with leaves that are typically green. The leaves have a rounded shape with deep lobes, giving them a slightly ruffled or serrated appearance along their edges. This textured foliage provides a lush background for the delicate flowers that float above. Overall, the appearance of Geum 'Beech House Apricot' is charming and eye-catching, with its combination of feathery, bright leaves and pastel-hued blossoms that offer a soft contrast. The plant has a natural, cottage-garden quality to it, making it a lovely addition to informal garden settings where its color and form can be appreciated up close.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Avens
Common names
Geum 'Beech House Apricot'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geum 'Beech House Apricot', commonly known as Avens, is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of this plant is unlikely to cause serious poisoning or severe symptoms. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities and allergic reactions can occur, so it's always prudent to avoid eating plants not specifically grown for consumption.
To pets
Geum 'Beech House Apricot', commonly referred to as Avens, is not typically considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting this plant is not expected to result in significant or serious symptoms of poisoning in pets. Nonetheless, pets may experience gastrointestinal upset if they consume any part of the plant in significant quantities, or if they have a sensitivity to it.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Apricot
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive blooms: Produces apricot-colored flowers that add a warm, charming effect to the garden.
- Long flowering period: Offers an extended blooming season from late spring to early summer, providing long-lasting visual interest.
- Wildlife attraction: Flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it has a good level of drought resistance, making it suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardens.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners looking for easy-to-care-for plants.
- Border versatility: Works well in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and cottage gardens.
- Suitable for cut flowers: Stems can be used in floral arrangements, bringing a bit of the garden indoors.
- Deer resistance: Generally resistant to browsing by deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer are 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- Photography subject: The Geum 'Beech House Apricot', with its soft apricot blossoms, provides a beautiful subject for floral and garden photographers looking for delicate spring colors.
- Edible Decoration: The petals of the Geum 'Beech House Apricot' can be used to add a colorful accent to salads or desserts, though they don't contribute much in terms of flavor.
- Dye Production: Although not a common use, the petals could potentially be used to create a natural dye for textiles, imparting a subtle apricot hue.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use the Geum 'Beech House Apricot' as a muse for paintings, drawings, or fabric designs, capturing its unique color and form.
- Educational Tool: In botany or horticulture classes, the plant can be used to teach students about propagation and the cultivation of perennials in temperate climates.
- Petal Confetti: Dried petals of the Geum 'Beech House Apricot' can be used as a biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, adding a natural and eco-friendly touch.
- Garden Theme Creation: This plant can be central to designing a monochromatic or pastel-themed garden, helping landscape designers create a soft, warm palette.
- Floral Arrangements: Although not unconventional, the long stems and apricot-colored flowers make it an excellent addition to cut floral arrangements in homes and at events.
- Nature Crafts: The flowers and leaves can be used in pressed flower projects or nature crafts, such as homemade bookmarks or greeting cards.
- Children’s Educational Gardens: Due to its non-toxic nature, it can be safely included in gardens designed for children’s educational purposes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Avens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Avens is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Charm and Cheerfulness: The Geum 'Beech House Apricot', commonly known as Avens, typically symbolizes a sense of cheer and brightness due to its vibrant and uplifting flowers.
- Love and Affection: In the language of flowers, Avens can also represent love and affection, as flowers often express sentiments of the heart.
- Good Fortune: The bright, attractive blossoms of the Avens are also thought to bring good luck, making them a positive emblem in various cultures.
- Longevity and Health: The hardiness and resilience of the Avens plant can signify a wish for long life and good health for the recipient.
WaterApricot Avens should be watered regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during the growing season. Initially, water new plantings every two to three days to help establish the roots. Once established, a deep watering once a week with about one gallon of water should suffice, but this may need to be increased during periods of extreme heat or drought. During the winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture. Be careful not to overwater, as Apricot Avens does not like soggy soil.
LightAvens prefer full sun to partial shade, thriving in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. However, in regions with extremely hot summers, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat. The best spot is one where the plant can enjoy morning sunlight with some protection from the intense afternoon sun.
TemperatureApricot Avens can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they do best when grown in conditions between 50°F and 70°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F and are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. To ensure optimal growth, avoid placing them in areas where temperatures frequently exceed 80°F for extended periods.
PruningPruning Avens is beneficial to promote bushier growth and encourage more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend the flowering period. Additionally, light pruning can be done in early spring or after the first flush of flowers has faded to rejuvenate the plant. It's not necessary to prune them often; once or twice a season is usually sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAvens prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. For the best soil mix, combine garden soil, peat moss or compost, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. Mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
RepottingAvens typically does not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. Monitor the plant's growth and repot every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingAvens thrives in average humidity conditions but can tolerate a range from low to high humidity. It does not require any special humidity adjustments for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light and consistent watering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleGeum 'Beech House Apricot', commonly known as Avens, begins its life as a seed, often sown in early spring under cover or directly outdoors once the risk of frost has passed. As the seed germinates, it develops a root system and shoots that emerge as seedlings; the plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The juvenile plant grows into a compact clump with hairy, pinnate leaves, entering its vegetative stage. Upon reaching maturity, typically within a couple of years, Avens produces apricot to orange-colored, saucer-shaped flowers on tall, wiry stems above the foliage from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators. After pollination, flowers give way to dry, inedible fruits (achenes) which can self-seed under suitable conditions, completing the reproductive stage. The plant is perennial, thus after flowering it enters a period of dormancy during the cold months, only to regrow from the same rootstock with the return of warmer weather in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Geum 'Beech House Apricot', commonly known as Avens, is most effectively propagated by division, typically in the spring or fall. To propagate Avens by division, carefully lift the plant from the ground using a garden fork, ensuring minimal damage to the root system. Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each with a piece of crown and several roots attached. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. Water the transplants thoroughly to help establish them in their new location. This form of vegetative propagation maintains the characteristics of the parent plant and allows for a quick establishment of new plants in the garden.
