Avens Geum 'Emory Quinn'
ABOUT
Geum 'Emory Quinn', often referred to as avens, is a perennial plant known for its charming and colorful appearance. It sports a clump-forming habit with a basal rosette of foliage. The leaves are typically pinnate or lobed, with a lush green color, creating a vivid backdrop for the flowers. The blooms of 'Emory Quinn' stand out with their vibrant hues; they exhibit a delightful range of orange, red, or yellow tones depending on the particular cultivar and can sometimes have multiple colors on a single flower. The petals are arranged in a layered, somewhat ruffled pattern, which gives them a full and rounded look. These flowers are usually borne on wiry, branching stems that rise above the mound of foliage, with each stem potentially carrying multiple flowers, creating an abundant and cheerful display. Furthermore, the center of the flower has a cluster of conspicuous stamens, which adds to the ornamental appeal. The contrast between the delicate flowers and the sturdy foliage makes Geum 'Emory Quinn' a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of bright color and texture to their planting schemes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Avens
Common names
Geum 'Emory Quinn'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Geum 'Emory Quinn', commonly known as Avens, is not generally considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or significant concerns regarding its toxicity for human ingestion. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning are associated with this plant in humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and sensitivities may occur, and it is generally advisable not to consume any plant material that is not recognized as food.
To pets
Avens is also not known to be toxic to pets. It does not appear on common lists of plants that are poisonous to dogs, cats, or other household pets. Therefore, if a pet were to ingest parts of the Geum 'Emory Quinn', it is unlikely to suffer from poisoning as a result. Nevertheless, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in pets, so it is still a good practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
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 'Emory Quinn' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, which is beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for and doesn't require frequent watering or special treatment once established.
- Drought Tolerance: It is moderately tolerant to drought, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for gardeners looking for plants with lower water needs.
- Long Blooming Period: Geum 'Emory Quinn' has a long flowering season, providing color and interest in the garden throughout spring and summer.
- Landscape Aesthetics: The bright, vibrant flowers of this plant add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Erosion Control: The foliage of Geum 'Emory Quinn' can help with erosion control on slopes and in areas where soil retention is needed.
- Wildlife Habitat: By offering nectar and habitat, it creates a supportive environment for local wildlife.
- Non-Invasive: This plant typically does not spread aggressively, which makes it a good choice for gardens where space is a concern.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geum 'Emory Quinn', commonly known as Avens, can be used to create natural dyes. The roots, in particular, may yield a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- The leaves of Avens can be utilized in compost as a green layer, contributing nitrogen to the composting process and helping to break down organic matter.
- The dense foliage of Avens can be utilized for low-growing ground cover in gardens, helping to prevent soil erosion and suppress weed growth.
- Avens flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making them beneficial for increasing biodiversity in the garden.
- As an ornamental plant, dried Avens flowers can be used in floral arrangements and crafts for their interesting shapes and long-lasting qualities.
- When planting Avens in larger groups, they can serve as a natural habitat for beneficial insects and small garden fauna.
- Avens can be incorporated into sensory gardens due to their textured foliage and bright flowers, providing visual and tactile stimuli.
- The seeds of Avens may be used in bird feeders, as they can attract certain bird species when left on the plant during fall and winter.
- Avens can be planted as companion plants in vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects that can help in pest control.
- The Avens plant's resilient nature makes it useful for planting in areas with poor soil to help improve soil structure over time.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Geum plant, commonly known as Avens, demonstrates a strong survival instinct and the ability to thrive in various conditions, representing the human quality of resilience.
- Vitality: With its vibrant and lively flowers, Avens is often associated with vitality and the life force that drives growth and energy.
- Love and Affection: Some cultures may connect the bright blooms with feelings of warmth, love, and affection, making them an emblem of heartfelt connections.
- Protection: Historically, Avens has been thought to possess protective properties, which could symbolize safeguarding against negativity or ill will.
WaterAvens needs to be watered regularly, especially during prolonged dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water this plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water for each plant, which encourages the roots to grow deeper and makes the plant more drought-tolerant. During particularly hot or windy weather, you may need to water Avens twice a week. It's important to water the plant at the soil level, preferably early in the morning or late in the afternoon, to reduce evaporation and allow the foliage time to dry before nightfall.
LightAvens thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. The ideal spot for the plant would be a location where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily, which promotes healthy blooming. However, it can also perform well in partially shaded areas, especially in regions with very hot summers, but flowering may be reduced in too much shade.
TemperatureAvens prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate a range from about 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal conditions for this plant are when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Avens is hardy and can survive overnight frosts as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but is not suited for extreme heat.
PruningAvens benefits from pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming throughout the season. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading, or the removal of faded flowers, can be done regularly during the blooming period to maintain the plant's appearance and promote continuous flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAvens (Geum 'Emory Quinn') thrives best in well-draining garden soil enriched with compost and organic matter. The ideal soil pH for Avens is 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing equal parts of loam, peat or compost, and sand or perlite will create the desired conditions for this plant's growth.
RepottingAvens (Geum 'Emory Quinn') typically don't require frequent repotting and can be done every 2 to 3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. Early spring is the best time for repotting this perennial.
Humidity & MistingAvens (Geum 'Emory Quinn') prefer moderate humidity levels. They do well in normal outdoor conditions and do not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in the garden.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, not direct sun, and cool temps for Avens.
Outdoor
Place in part sun with regular water and well-drained soil for Avens.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleGeum 'Emery Quinn', commonly known as Avens, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring after experiencing a period of cold stratification, which breaks the seed's dormancy. The germinated seed develops into a small rosette of leaves close to the ground, and as it matures, it forms a larger clump with deep green, pinnate leaves. In late spring to early summer, Avens produces tall, wiry stems that bear single to semi-double, striking flowers with colors ranging from orange to red. After pollination, usually by insects, the flowers develop into dry, inedible fruit called achenes that are dispersed by wind or animals. If the conditions are favorable, these seeds will initiate the next generation of plants. Each plant can live for several years, growing larger and producing more flowers and seeds as it matures.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Geum 'Emory Quinn', also known as Avens, is commonly propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The ideal time for dividing Avens is in the early spring or the fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a good set of roots and at least one or two growth buds. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing at before, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method is straightforward and helps rejuvenate older clumps that may have become woefully overgrown or are beginning to die out in the center.
