Avens Geum 'Dolly North' (d)
ABOUT
Geum 'Dolly North' is a perennial plant distinguished by its attractive and vivid flowers. Its blossoms are a striking feature, standing out with their bright orange color that adds a vibrant touch to gardens. Each flower presents a charming, ruffled appearance that creates a sense of lushness and abundance. The foliage of Geum 'Dolly North' forms a neat, mounding habit with green leaves that have a lobed and slightly hairy texture, which adds both visual interest and a tactile experience to the garden setting. Together, the bright flowers and the lush foliage make Geum 'Dolly North' a delightful addition that brings color and life to garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Avens
Common names
Geum 'Dolly North'
ToxicityTo humans
The Geum 'Dolly North', commonly known as avens, is not widely known for its toxicity to humans. In general, avens plants are not considered poisonous and there are no well-documented cases of toxicity from ingestion of this plant. Therefore, it's not expected to cause poisoning if ingested in typical garden scenarios. However, as with many plants, individuals may have allergies or sensitivities that could result in mild reactions, so caution should always be exercised when handling or ingesting unknown plants.
To pets
Avens, the common name for Geum 'Dolly North', is not commonly listed as toxic to pets either. It is not considered a poisonous plant to cats, dogs, or other household animals. Therefore, if a pet were to ingest part of an avens plant, it is unlikely to suffer from significant poisoning. As with humans, pets can have individual sensitivities to plants, and ingestion can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. Always monitor pets around plants and consult with a veterinarian if any adverse reactions are observed after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
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 'Dolly North' attracts bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Colorful Blooms: It offers bright and colorful flowers that provide aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Extended Blooming Season: This plant has a long flowering period that can last from late spring into early summer.
- Easy to Grow: Geum 'Dolly North' is known for its ease of cultivation and can be grown with minimal garden expertise.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant is fairly drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of surviving colder temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional fertilization or deadheading.
- Soil Versatility: Adapts well to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-draining soils.
- Compact Size: Its relatively small size allows it to fit into smaller garden spaces or to be used as a border plant.
- Cottage Garden Appeal: Its charming flowers contribute to the classic style of a cottage garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geum 'Dolly North' can be used in floral arrangements for a burst of color, with its bright, eye-catching flowers adding a touch of vibrancy to bouquets.
- The plant can function as a natural dye, where the petals might be boiled to extract color for fabric or craft projects.
- As a companion plant in the vegetable garden, Geum 'Dolly North' may help attract pollinators which are essential for the production of fruits and vegetables.
- In education, this plant could be used to teach children about pollination, as it attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
- The dried petals of Geum 'Dolly North' can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for their color and potential to retain shape.
- These flowers can be used as a natural indicator of the pH level of soil; changes in petal color may indicate acidity or alkalinity.
- In crafts, the sturdy stems and vibrant flowers can be used in creating decorative wreaths or other ornamental displays.
- Geum 'Dolly North' can offer a seasonal edible decoration for desserts, with petals adding a colorful garnish that is safe to consume.
- Given their texture and form, the leaves and flowers could be used to make botanical prints on paper or fabric.
- The plant can be used in sensory gardens for its unique foliage texture and the soft touch of its petals, which provide a tactile experience.
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 Attraction: The bright and colorful blossoms of Geum 'Dolly North', commonly known as Avens, often symbolize a charming personality and an attractive demeanor, drawing in positivity and good company.
- Love and Affection: The warm hues of Avens flowers can represent feelings of love and affection, indicating a deep emotional connection and the offering of one's heart.
- Happiness: Avens' cheerful appearance is associated with happiness and joy, suggesting a sense of contentment and the bright side of life.
- Healing: Historically, Avens has been used in herbal medicine, symbolizing healing and recovery, making it a symbol of good health and well-being.
- Protection: Some cultures believe that Avens has protective qualities, representing safety against harm and the warding off of negative energies.
WaterThe Avens plant (Geum 'Dolly North') should be watered deeply once a week, providing enough water to moisten the soil down to the roots without leaving the soil waterlogged. During the hotter, drier months, you may need to water it more frequently, such as every few days, to maintain consistent moisture. Generally, it is best to provide about one gallon of water per plant during each watering session. It's important not to let the soil dry out completely but also to avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Adjust the watering frequency based on rainfall and temperature, increasing it during dry, hot spells and reducing it when cooler, wetter weather prevails.
LightAvens thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It's best to plant it in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, in regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat. Avoid placing Avens in deep shade, as this can reduce blooming and weaken the plant.
TemperatureAvens plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they perform best in areas where the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle summer highs up to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. To encourage healthy growth, avoid exposure to temperatures outside of these ranges for extended periods.
PruningPruning Avens is done to remove spent flowers and encourage a new flush of blooms. Deadheading, or cutting off the faded flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season. Additionally, you can cut back the foliage by about half after the first wave of flowering to tidy the plant and promote a second round of blooms. The best time for more extensive pruning is early spring or after the plant has finished flowering in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAvens 'Dolly North' thrives in well-draining soil with high organic matter content; a mix of loam, peat, and coarse sand is ideal. The best pH for this plant's growth ranges between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingAvens 'Dolly North' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot. Divide the clumps to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingAvens 'Dolly North' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in most outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Avens 'Dolly North' near bright window; keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade, enrich soil with compost.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleGeum 'Dolly North', also known as Avens, begins its life as a seed which after germination grows into a young seedling. With sufficient water, light, and nutrients, the seedling develops into a mature plant with a rosette of basal leaves. The Avens then undergoes vegetative growth, often forming a clump with multiple leaf stems. During the flowering stage, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer, Avens produces tall, airy flowering stems topped with attractive single or semi-double orange to red flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit that contains seeds, completing the reproductive stage. Once the seeds are dispersed, the plant enters a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, until the next growing season when the cycle begins anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: The Geum 'Dolly North', commonly known as Avens, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. Division should occur in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring to keep a substantial amount of the root system intact. Once lifted from the soil, the clump can be gently teased apart into smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots. These sections can then be immediately replanted into well-prepared soil, spaced about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and air circulation. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. Regular watering and a light application of fertilizer can encourage the divisions to grow into healthy, blooming plants by the next season.
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