Cooky Avens Geum coccineum 'Cooky'
ABOUT
The 'Cooky' is a charming perennial plant known for its vibrant and attractive appearance. It produces a delightful floral display with blooms that are usually a striking orange hue. Each flower resembles a semi-double form, boasting a slightly ruffled look that adds to the plant's overall allure. The blossoms of the 'Cooky' are borne on slender, wiry stems that rise above the foliage, creating a lovely contrast against the green backdrop. The leaves are typically a rich green color and have a somewhat rounded shape with deep lobes, giving them a distinct and attractive texture. During the blooming season, these plants become a focal point in any garden space, drawing the eye with their warm, fiery colors. They exude a cottage garden charm, making them a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of whimsy and bright color to their planting schemes. The 'Cooky' exhibits a clumping habit, producing a neat and tidy mound of foliage below the dancing stems of cheerful flowers.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Cooky Avens, Scarlet Avens, Orange Avens
Common names
Geum coccineum 'Cooky'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Geum coccineum 'Cooky', commonly known as Scarlet Avens, generally is not listed as a toxic plant for humans. However, as with any plant not intended for consumption, it's possible that some individuals may have a sensitivity or allergic reaction. If ingested, this could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or other non-specific symptoms. There's no widely documented toxicity from consuming Scarlet Avens. But, if ingestion occurs and any adverse reactions are noted, medical advice should be sought.
To pets
Scarlet Avens is not commonly known to be a toxic plant for pets. However, the absence of recorded toxicity does not necessarily guarantee safety, as individual pets may have different sensitivities or allergic reactions. If a pet ingests part of the plant and exhibits signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian. Generally, ingestion of Scarlet Avens is not expected to cause significant issues for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Southeastern Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Geum coccineum 'Cooky', commonly known as Cooky Avens, is attractive to bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination of many plants.
- Easy to grow: Cooky Avens is known for being hardy and low maintenance, making it a suitable plant for novice gardeners.
- Long blooming period: This plant produces flowers for an extended period, often from late spring to early autumn, providing long-lasting visual interest.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, Cooky Avens is relatively drought-resistant, requiring less water compared to many other plants.
- Cold hardy: It can withstand cold temperatures, making it a versatile choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Ornamental value: With its bright orange to red flowers, Cooky Avens adds vibrant color and aesthetic appeal to garden beds and borders.
- Ground cover: It can serve as an effective ground cover, spreading to fill in gaps and suppress weeds in garden landscapes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye production: Geum coccineum 'Cooky', commonly known as Cooky Avens, can be used to create natural dyes due to the pigments present in the petals, providing a range of warm-toned colors.
- Educational resource: The plant can be incorporated into educational programs related to botany and horticulture, offering a living example for students to study plant biology and pollination.
- Photography subject: With its vibrant flowers, Cooky Avens serves as an excellent photography subject for both amateurs and professionals looking to capture the beauty of nature.
- Floral arrangements: The bright, attractive flowers of Cooky Avens can be used in floral arrangements and cut flower displays, adding a splash of color to bouquets and centerpieces.
- Decorative potpourri: Dried flowers and leaves of Cooky Avens can be added to potpourri mixes, lending their color and a gentle, natural fragrance to the blend.
- Backyard habitat creation: Planting Cooky Avens can help create a habitat for wildlife, attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Crafting projects: The flowers and foliage of Cooky Avens can be used in various crafting projects, such as pressed flower art, bookmark decoration, or in handmade papermaking for texture and color.
- Culinary garnish: While not a common practice, the non-toxic flowers of Cooky Avens can be used as an edible garnish to brighten up dishes with their colorful blossoms.
- Erosion control: When planted in mass, the Cooky Avens can help in controlling soil erosion, especially on slopes where their root systems help to hold the soil in place.
- Seasonal celebrations: The bright orange to scarlet blooms align with autumnal themes, making Cooky Avens a suitable plant for decorations during fall harvest festivals and celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Avens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Avens is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hardiness: Geum coccineum 'Cooky', commonly known as Cooky Avens, often symbolizes hardiness due to its ability to withstand a range of soil types and conditions.
- Survival: As a perennial that returns year after year, Cooky Avens can represent survival and resilience.
- Passion: The fiery red to orange shades of the Cooky Avens flowers can be symbolic of intense emotion, love, or passion.
- Hidden Beauty: With its modest size and somewhat tucked away petals, Cooky Avens could signify the concept of inner or hidden beauty.
- Healing: Traditionally, many Geum species are known for their medicinal properties, which in turn makes Cooky Avens symbolic of healing and relief.
WaterThe Scarlet Avens prefers consistent moisture, so it should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In general, this might mean watering once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During hot summer days, Scarlet Avens may require more frequent watering. Ensure the plant receives about 1 gallon of water per week during the growing season, adjusting as necessary for rainfall and temperature variations.
LightScarlet Avens thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for this perennial would be an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, though some afternoon shade can be beneficial in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade locations as this can reduce blooming and lead to leggy growth.
TemperatureScarlet Avens can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best when the temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for gardens in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. Protecting plants from extreme heat with some afternoon shade can help maintain ideal growing conditions.
PruningScarlet Avens should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage additional blooming. Deadheading the old blooms throughout the flowering season can promote a second round of flowers. Additionally, cutting back the foliage in late fall or early spring can help maintain a tidy appearance and stimulate new growth. The best time to do a thorough prune is after the main blooming period has ended.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Avens 'Cooky' thrives best in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. For optimal growth, concoct a soil mix with equal parts garden soil, compost, peat or coco coir, and sharp sand to ensure adequate drainage.
RepottingAvens 'Cooky' typically needs repotting every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound or outgrows its current pot, which is evident when growth slows or roots grow through the drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingAvens 'Cooky' prefers moderate humidity levels, consistent with average outdoor conditions, but does not require specific humidity adjustments when grown in garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Avens 'Cooky' in bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Avens 'Cooky' in partial shade to full sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleGeum coccineum 'Cooky', commonly known as Cooky Avens, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring when the soil temperature and moisture levels are suitable. This perennial plant then develops a rosette of leaves close to the ground and establishes a strong root system. Throughout late spring to early summer, it produces flowering stems with vibrant orange-red flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruiting heads containing seeds that can be dispersed to produce new plants. During the late summer or fall, the above-ground parts of the plant may die back, with the plant surviving the winter in its root form. Cooky Avens re-emerges in the following spring, completing its life cycle and ready to grow and bloom once again.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Geum coccineum 'Cooky', commonly known as the Cooky Avens, is typically propagated through division. The best time to divide this perennial plant is in the early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully lift the entire plant out of the ground using a garden fork or spade. Shake or rinse off the soil to reveal the root structure, and identify natural divisions or clumps. Using a sharp knife or spade, cut through the roots to separate clumps, ensuring that each division has a good amount of roots and at least one or two growth points or shoots. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing at previously, spacing them approximately 12 to 18 inches (roughly 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth space. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This method is effective for maintaining plant vigor and increasing the number of plants in your garden.
