Avens Geum 'Bell Bank'
ABOUT
The Geum 'Bell Bank' is a charming perennial plant known for its eye-catching and vibrant flowers that add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes. This plant features a basal rosette of pinnate leaves that are medium green in color. The foliage has a slightly hairy texture, contributing both tactile and visual interest to the plant's base. Emerging from the rosette are long, slender stems that bear the ornamental flowers of the Geum 'Bell Bank'. These blossoms are particularly striking, with a rich pink to salmon color that can vary in intensity depending on the individual flower. Each flower exhibits a semi-double form, with layers of slightly ruffled petals that circle around a golden yellow center. The flowers give a somewhat frilly appearance and are held aloft on the stems above the foliage, creating a delightful contrast against the green leaves below. As the stems sway gently in the breeze, they lend a sense of movement and grace to the landscape. The contrasting colors, with bright flowers against the backdrop of green leaves, make the Geum 'Bell Bank' a standout choice for gardeners looking to infuse their spaces with vivid hues and inviting textures. This plant's overall appearance is one of cheerfulness and beauty, and it can serve as an excellent addition to perennial borders, rock gardens, or as informal clusters in naturalized garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Avens
Common names
Geum 'Bell Bank'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geum 'Bell Bank', commonly known as Avens, does not have a well-documented toxicity profile for humans. Most Geum species are not known to be toxic, and there are no major concerns with growing them in places accessible to adults or children. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and sensitivities are possible, so it is still wise to avoid ingesting plant parts without proper knowledge and to supervise young children when they are around plants. If someone does ingest Avens and experiences adverse reactions, it is important to seek medical attention.
To pets
Avens is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets. However, since pets may have varying sensitivities, it's always advisable to prevent them from eating plants not intended for consumption. If a pet does eat a significant amount of Avens and shows signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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- Attracts Pollinators: Geum 'Bell Bank' is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Long Blooming Season: This plant has flowers that bloom for an extended period, providing color and visual interest in the garden throughout the growing season.
- Easy to Grow: Geum 'Bell Bank' is generally easy to cultivate and maintain, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, which can be beneficial in areas with water restrictions or for gardeners looking to conserve water.
- Resilient: It is a hardy plant that can survive in a range of soil conditions and withstand different environmental stresses.
- Landscape Design Versatility: The plant's compact size and colorful blooms make it a versatile choice for borders, rock gardens, or as ground cover.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geum 'Bell Bank' can be used as a natural dye source. Its petals contain pigments that may be used to dye fabrics or paper in shades of yellow or orange.
- The plant can be part of a fairy or miniature garden due to its delicate flowers and attractive foliage, adding a whimsical touch.
- You can use the dried seed heads of Geum 'Bell Bank' in floral arrangements as they maintain their shape and add a rustic appeal to bouquets.
- The plant is beneficial for creating a habitat garden, as it attracts bees and other pollinators, which supports local ecosystems.
- Geum 'Bell Bank' can be planted to control erosion on slopes thanks to its extensive root system which helps hold soil in place.
- It can be used in sensory gardens because of its textured foliage and vibrant flowers, providing tactile and visual stimulation.
- The plant may be used as an educational tool in botany or horticulture programs for studying plant growth habits and pollination.
- Geum 'Bell Bank' can act as a ground cover in shaded areas where other plants might struggle to grow, spreading to form a dense mat.
- Its leaves can be used in compost piles as they are rich in nutrients and break down well, contributing to the composting process.
- In photography or art, the plant can serve as an attractive subject or background, particularly useful for close-ups that highlight its richly colored flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAvens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityAvens is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: The Geum variety, 'Bell Bank,' with its vibrant, deep pink flowers, is often associated with feelings of intense passion and romantic ardor.
- Love and Affection: The warmth of its color also symbolizes love and affection, making it a perfect gift for someone you care deeply about.
- Perseverance: Known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, Geums, in general, can represent perseverance and the ability to withstand challenges.
WaterAvens, including the Geum 'Bell Bank', prefer evenly moist soil, so it's important to water them thoroughly. During the growing season, water these perennial plants once or twice a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time to saturate the soil deeply and ensure the roots receive adequate moisture. To avoid water wastage and potential fungal issues, water at the base of the plant early in the morning. During periods of extreme heat or drought, you may need to increase the frequency of watering to maintain soil moisture. In cooler weather or when rainfall provides natural hydration, you can reduce the watering frequency accordingly.
LightAvens thrive best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for Geum 'Bell Bank' would be a location where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates to protect it from the intense heat. Too much shade can result in fewer blooms and leggy growth.
TemperatureAvens like Geum 'Bell Bank' perform well in a wide range of temperatures, but they prefer moderate climates. They can survive in temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as around 85°F. The ideal temperature range for healthy growth is between 60°F and 75°F. Avens can be quite resilient but can suffer if exposed to prolonged periods of extreme temperatures outside of this range.
PruningPruning Avens like Geum 'Bell Bank' is essential for maintaining plant health and aesthetics. Deadheading the spent flowers regularly will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Pruning should be done after the first flush of flowering to rejuvenate the foliage and prepare for a possible second bloom. In late fall or early winter, cut back the foliage to ground level to keep the plant tidy and reduce the risk of pests and diseases overwintering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAvens 'Bell Bank' prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.8. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand can create an ideal growing medium that mimics their natural woodland habitat.
RepottingAvens 'Bell Bank' does not need frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container, during springtime for best results.
Humidity & MistingAvens 'Bell Bank' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable; ensuring good air circulation around the plant will help maintain appropriate humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Position Avens 'Bell Bank' in bright, indirect light and ensure soil is well-drained.
Outdoor
Plant Avens 'Bell Bank' in part shade, in well-draining, fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Avens 'Bell Bank', a herbaceous perennial, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in spring under suitable conditions of moisture and temperature. As the seedling emerges, it develops a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. Over time, the plant establishes a strong root system and by the first or second year, it sends up flowering stems. Throughout the spring and summer, 'Bell Bank' produces pink-red flowers that attract pollinators and can result in seed set if fertilization occurs. Following flowering, seeds mature and are eventually dispersed around the parent plant, where they can germinate to start the cycle anew. In the autumn, the plant's above-ground foliage dies back with the onset of colder temperatures, while the roots remain alive over winter, allowing the plant to regrow in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Geum 'Bell Bank', commonly known as Avens, is best propagated by division, which is typically done in the spring or fall. To propagate by division, the gardener should carefully lift the plant from the ground using a spade or fork, taking care not to damage the roots. The clump should then be gently teased apart into smaller sections, making sure each section has a portion of the root system and some shoots. These divisions can then be replanted immediately in a well-prepared soil, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish the roots. Division not only helps to proliferate new plants but also invigorates the parent plant by reducing overcrowding.
