Avens Geum 'Coppertone'
ABOUT
Geum 'Coppertone' is a striking perennial plant that features a mix of unique and attractive traits, which make it a favorite in many gardens. Its foliage forms a lush mound of green leaves that are lobed and occasionally have a textured, slightly hairy appearance. This foliage provides a perfect backdrop for the flowers that emerge on slender, wiry stems, standing above the leafy base. The flowers of Geum 'Coppertone' are its most distinctive feature, showcasing an exquisite blend of colors that evoke the warm hues of copper. These blossoms boast a semi-double to double form, with each petal slightly overlapping the next, creating a full and ruffled look. The petals themselves can range in shades from warm amber to burnished orange, often with a subtle gradient that gives each flower a glowing, iridescent quality against the sunlight. Flowering typically occurs in late spring to early summer, with the possibility of a repeat bloom in the cooler parts of autumn. When in bloom, Geum 'Coppertone' becomes a hub of activity, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden with its richly colored flowers and accessible nectar. Despite not detailing its size, Geum 'Coppertone' is well-proportioned, with the flowers standing in a charming balance with its foliage. The plant is also known for its robust nature and, when provided with adequate care, can be a resilient and long-lived addition to a garden bed, border, or container, where it can showcase its copper-toned beauty season after season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Avens, Geum.
Common names
Geum 'Coppertone'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Geum 'Coppertone', commonly known as Avens, is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to humans. There is no significant evidence suggesting toxicity in humans upon ingestion. However, as with any plant, individuals may have varying sensitivities, and ingesting plant material not typically classified as edible could cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some cases.
To pets
Avens is generally not considered toxic to pets. There is limited information about the plant causing harm to animals such as dogs and cats. As with humans, individual animals might experience mild digestive upset if they ingest parts of the plant, but there are no widespread reports of serious poisoning or severe symptoms from Avens ingestion in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Geum 'Coppertone', also known as Avens, features warm copper-colored flowers that can enhance the beauty of any garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is attractive to bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in pollination.
- Seasonal Interest: It has a long flowering season, from late spring to early summer, providing extended visual interest.
- Hardiness: Avens is known for its hardiness, making it a resilient addition to many garden settings.
- Low Maintenance: The plant generally requires minimal care, making it a good choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, which is beneficial for water conservation efforts.
- Versatility in Landscape: It can be used in borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover, making it highly versatile for landscaping uses.
- Compact Growth: With its compact growth habit, it works well in small gardens or areas where space is limited.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Geum 'Coppertone' can be used by artists and photographers as a subject due to its distinctive coppery-orange petals, providing a rich source of color and organic form.
- Cooking Garnish: The vibrant flowers of the Geum 'Coppertone' can be used as an edible garnish to add color and a slight peppery flavor to salads and desserts.
- Dried Flower Arrangements: The flowers can be dried and used in everlasting floral arrangements, maintaining their shape and color for an extended period.
- Natural Dye: The petals of Geum 'Coppertone' may be used in the preparation of natural dyes for fabrics or paper, providing a unique, earthy tone.
- Education: This plant can be used in educational settings such as botany classes for studying plant morphology, pollination strategies, and breeding habits.
- Craft Projects: The flowers and leaves of Geum 'Coppertone' can be used in crafting projects, such as pressing for bookmarks or incorporating into homemade paper for a touch of nature.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant can serve as a food source for certain species of butterflies and bees, offering a natural way to attract and support local wildlife.
- Perfume Industry: While not commonly known for its scent, the Geum 'Coppertone' has the potential to be explored as a botanical component in natural perfumes or fragrance products.
- Soil Erosion Control: Due to its hardy growth habit, Geum 'Coppertone' can be used in landscaping to help stabilize soil and reduce erosion on slopes.
- Thematic Gardens: Geum 'Coppertone' can be incorporated into fire-themed gardens due to its warm, fiery colors that mirror the hues of flames.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geum 'Coppertone', commonly known as Avens, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Avens is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Geum 'Coppertone', with its hardy nature and ability to thrive in various conditions, symbolizes durability and the ability to withstand challenges over time.
- Vitality: The vibrant orange hues of the flowers represent energy and life force, suggesting an emblem of enthusiasm and vibrancy.
- Warmth: The warm, coppery tones of the petals are reminiscent of the sun and fire, evoking feelings of comfort and emotional warmth.
- Passion: Often, colorful and vivid flowers such as Geum 'Coppertone' are associated with strong emotions and passion, reflecting an intense love or desire.
- Cheerfulness: The bright colors can bring a sense of joy and cheer to gardens and landscapes, symbolizing happiness and positivity.
WaterAvens 'Coppertone' should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During active growth in spring and summer, watering once a week may be necessary, but always check the soil moisture before watering. Provide about one to one and a half gallons of water per plant for each watering, ensuring even soil saturation. Reduce watering frequency in the fall and further in the winter when plant growth slows down. Overwatering or waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to ensure good drainage.
LightAvens 'Coppertone' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would offer at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you're in an area with very hot summers, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent stress to the plant. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as this can impact the plant's flowering and overall vigor.
TemperatureAvens 'Coppertone' prefers moderate temperatures but is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 7. It can tolerate minimum winter temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. During the growing season, the ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand short periods of higher temperatures but may become stressed if exposed to extreme heat over prolonged periods.
PruningPruning Avens 'Coppertone' encourages a tidy growth habit and can stimulate further flowering. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote new blooms. Cut back the foliage by one-third in midsummer if the plant becomes leggy or after the first flush of flowers to rejuvenate the plant. Pruning is best done after the main blooming period, typically in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAvens 'Coppertone' thrives in well-draining soil mixed with organic matter, such as compost or peat moss. A good soil mix for this plant contains equal parts garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite. The ideal soil pH for Avens is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.0.
RepottingAvens 'Coppertone' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Best done in the spring, repotting will provide fresh nutrients and room for the growing roots.
Humidity & MistingAvens 'Coppertone' prefers moderate ambient humidity but is relatively adaptable. Humidity levels between 40% to 60% are ideal for this plant, but it can tolerate lower levels without harm.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light; water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot, well-drained soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleGeum 'Coppertone', commonly known as Avens, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which takes place in late winter or early spring, provided the conditions of moisture and temperature are adequate. The seedlings grow into rosettes of foliage, which, in their first season, primarily focus on establishing a strong root system. In the following growing season, the plant matures and starts to produce tall flowering stems, adorned with warm copper-colored flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by insects, the flowers develop into fruiting heads with seeds that disperse to create new plants. Once the flowering and seed set are complete, the plant's above-ground parts may die back, especially in colder climates, with the rootstock surviving through winter. The plant's life cycle restarts from the existing rootstock when spring arrives, although some care may be needed, such as division every few years, to maintain the plant's vigor and health.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Geum 'Coppertone', commonly known as Avens, is typically propagated by division, a straightforward method suitable for many perennials. This should be done in the spring or autumn, when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring to get as much of the root system as possible. Then, gently separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a portion of the root system attached. These divisions can then be replanted into prepared soil, spaced appropriately to allow for mature growth. Water thoroughly after planting to help establish the new divisions. This method is effective because it not only helps to rejuvenate older plants that might be losing vigor, but it also provides a way to increase the number of plants in your garden without the need for seeds or cuttings.
