Avens Geum 'Fire Opal' (d)
ABOUT
The Geum 'Fire Opal' is a flowering perennial known for its vibrant and alluring blooms. This plant has a clumping habit, meaning it grows in a dense, compact form that can add a lush, textured look to a garden space. The leaves of the Geum 'Fire Opal' are typically green, resembling fuzzy, crinkled rosettes at the base, which creates an attractive ground cover throughout the growing season. The most striking feature of Geum 'Fire Opal' is its flowers. These blossoms are fiery in color, displaying a range of hues from deep orange to red, resembling the glowing hues of an opal gemstone. The flowers are borne on wiry stems which rise above the foliage and seem to hover or dance in the air. They have a cupped shape with rounded petals that may exhibit some degree of ruffling or a slightly fringed edge. The flowering stems are adorned with sparse, small green leaves, which can sometimes have a reddish tint that echoes the tones of the blossoms. The blooms are typically larger than many other cultivars in its family, and they can add a bright, eye-catching display in the garden. Geum 'Fire Opal' blooms during late spring to early summer and, with proper deadheading, may rebloom and provide color well into the summer months. Its flowers are popular among pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies, which find the blossoms particularly appealing for their nectar. Overall, the Geum 'Fire Opal' is characterized by its beautiful foliage, stunning warm-colored flowers, and an ability to create an inviting and vibrant atmosphere in any garden space where it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Avens, Fire Opal Geum.
Common names
Geum 'Fire Opal'.
ToxicityTo humans
Avens 'Fire Opal' is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information regarding its toxicity, and it is generally considered safe around humans. As with any plant, sensitive individuals may experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction if they come into contact with the plant or ingest it, although this is not common. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for human consumption.
To pets
Avens 'Fire Opal' is not widely recognized to be toxic to pets. There's a lacking body of evidence to suggest that it poses a significant risk to dogs, cats, or other household pets. However, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Generally, it's best to discourage pets from nibbling on any garden plants to prevent potential issues. If a pet does ingest a part of the plant and displays adverse symptoms, contacting a veterinarian is recommended.
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 'Fire Opal' is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Decorative Blooms: The plant produces vibrant, semi-double flowers that add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Geum 'Fire Opal' can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for low-water gardens.
- Long Flowering Period: It has a long blooming season, often from late spring to summer, providing extended visual interest.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance, which is ideal for beginner gardeners.
- Cold Hardy: Geum 'Fire Opal' can survive in colder climates, making it a versatile choice for various garden zones.
- Soil Adaptability: It can thrive in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil.
- Compact Size: Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for small garden spaces or as a border plant.
- Resistant to Pests: Geum 'Fire Opal' is generally resistant to common garden pests, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
- Cottage Garden Appeal: The plant's rustic charm is ideal for creating a traditional cottage garden aesthetic.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artisan Crafts: The vivid colors and interesting shapes of Geum 'Fire Opal' can inspire patterns and designs in pottery, textiles, and other artisan crafts.
- Dye Source: The petals may be used to create natural dyes for fabric or paper, providing shades of orange and yellow.
- Photography Subject: Due to its unique appearance, Geum 'Fire Opal' is a popular subject for photographers specializing in floral and garden imagery.
- Edible Garnishes: While not commonly consumed, the petals could potentially be used as colorful, edible garnishes for culinary dishes.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture programs and schools can use Geum 'Fire Opal' to teach plant breeding and hybridization concepts.
- Floral Arrangements: The blooms can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements, adding texture and a burst of color.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for garden biodiversity.
- Theme Gardens: Geum 'Fire Opal' can be used to create color-themed or fire-themed gardens due to its bright, fiery hues.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system can help stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion, though this is not its primary use.
- Stress Reduction: Spending time in a garden setting with vibrant flowers like Geum 'Fire Opal' can have a calming effect and reduce stress.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geum, commonly known as Avens, is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Avens is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: Named 'Fire Opal', this plant suggests the intensity and fervor of emotions and desire, similar to the glowing, fiery hues within an opal gemstone.
- Transformation: The shifting colors of the flower might symbolize change and personal growth, akin to the opal's ability to refract a spectrum of colors depending on the angle of light.
- Energy: The vibrant reds and oranges of the Geum 'Fire Opal' are reminiscent of a burning flame, indicating high energy, enthusiasm, and vitality.
- Creativity: Just as an opal stone sparks the imagination with its play of colors, the Gemo 'Fire Opal' can be seen as a symbol for inspiration and creative thought.
WaterAvens, commonly known as Geum 'Fire Opal', prefer consistent moisture but do not fare well in overly wet conditions. Water the plant thoroughly once a week, providing about 1-2 gallons per square yard, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil. During the hotter months, check the moisture level of the soil more frequently, as the plant may require additional waterings to maintain its vigor. Always allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In winter or cooler weather, reduce watering frequency to adjust to the plant's slower growth rate.
LightAvens thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. For optimal growth and flowering, plant Avens in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can also perform well in spots with dappled sunlight throughout the day, but too much shade can reduce blooming and lead to leggier plants.
TemperatureAvens prefer moderate conditions and can thrive in temperatures ranging from around 50°F to 75°F. They can survive temperature dips down to about 20°F but should be protected from harsh, freezing conditions. Ideally, maintaining an environment where the temperature does not frequently exceed 75°F will promote healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPrune Avens to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Deadheading spent blooms regularly will encourage continued flowering throughout the season. Cut back the foliage in late fall or early winter after the plant has finished blooming to tidy up the plant and prepare it for the next growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAvens, commonly known as Geum 'Fire Opal', thrives best in well-drained, loamy to sandy soil with good organic content. Its preferred soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). Amend garden soil with compost and peat moss for optimal growing conditions.
RepottingAvens, or Geum 'Fire Opal', usually doesn't require frequent repotting. It is typically repotted once every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate plant growth.
Humidity & MistingGeum 'Fire Opal', commonly known as Avens, prefers moderate humidity levels typical of outdoor environments and does not require special humidity adjustments when grown in garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Avens in bright light and turn regularly for even growth.
Outdoor
Plant Avens in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleGeum 'Fire Opal' begins as a seed that germinates in cool, damp soil typically in early spring. After sprouting, it develops a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, and as it matures, it sends up stems with pinnate leaves characteristic of the Geum genus. Throughout late spring and early summer, the plant produces nodding, semi-double flowers with a warm, fiery hue that attracts pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into dry, hairy fruits (achenes) that disperse to propagate the plant. Geum 'Fire Opal' is a perennial, so after the flowering season, the above-ground part dies back, while the root system survives the winter. The following spring, it regrows from the robust rootstock, continuing the cycle for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Geum 'Fire Opal', commonly known as Avens, is typically propagated by division, a method favored for its reliability and straightforwardness. The best time for propagating Avens by division is in the spring or the early fall. To do this, one should carefully dig up the plant, ensuring a generous amount of root and soil is included. The clump should then be gently pulled apart into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy portion of the root system. These sections can be immediately replanted into well-prepared soil, ensuring adequate space for the mature spread of the plant. Watering thoroughly after replanting is crucial to help establish the new divisions. This method allows gardeners to quickly multiply their Avens while maintaining the genetic consistency of the cultivar.
