Avens Geum 'Hannay's'
ABOUT
Geum 'Hannay's' is a flowering perennial known for its striking appearance. The plant produces a profusion of semi-double to fully double flowers, which boast a warm, vibrant orange color that can add a splash of brightness to any garden. Each flower features a rosette of petals that create a frilly, lush look and are often described as ruffled. The foliage of the Geum 'Hannay's' is equally attractive, with a dense clump of green, hairy leaves. The leaves are pinnate, which means they have leaflets that grow opposite each other along the stem, and each leaflet has a deeply toothed margin. The overall texture of the foliage is somewhat coarse, which provides a beautiful contrast to the softness of the flowers. The plant has a bushy habit, with the flowers held aloft on slender, wiry stems that emerge from the verdant mounds of leaves. The overall effect is one of casual elegance, with the flowers swaying gently in the breeze, creating a dynamic and lively display in the garden. Throughout its blooming period, Geum 'Hannay's' can become an attractive focal point in the landscape, drawing in pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is a perfect addition to cottage gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows, bringing a burst of color and a touch of wild charm.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Hannay's Double Avens, Double Bloody Mary
Common names
Geum 'Hannay's'.
ToxicityTo humans
Geum 'Hannay's', more commonly known as Avens, does not have a well-documented profile for toxicity to humans. Generally, avens are not known to be toxic and are not associated with severe adverse effects if ingested. However, as with any plant, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions when handling or ingesting parts of the plant not commonly consumed. If any unexpected symptoms are observed after ingestion, it is advisable to consult a medical professional.
To pets
Avens, the common name for Geum 'Hannay's', is not commonly listed as toxic to pets. There is little to no information suggesting that avens pose a significant risk to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals if ingested. However, individual animals may have sensitivities or allergies, and ingestion can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset. If a pet shows signs of distress after consuming any part of the plant, contacting a veterinarian is recommended.
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: Adds vibrant color with its bright orange flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden space.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers are known to attract bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination of surrounding plants.
- Long Blooming Period: This plant has a long flowering period from late spring to late summer, providing prolonged garden interest.
- Easy to Grow: Geum 'Hannay's' is hardy and adaptable to a variety of conditions, making it relatively easy for gardeners to maintain.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is not particularly palatable to deer, which can help prevent damage to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond the initial planting and occasional watering and fertilizing.
- Border Plant: Works well as a border plant due to its compact growth habit and attractive foliage.
- Mixes Well with Others: Can be easily combined with other perennials in a garden bed for a diverse and appealing display.
- Cottage Garden Staple: Often used in traditional cottage garden designs for its charming, old-fashioned appearance.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geum 'Hannay's', commonly known as avens, can be used for natural dye production. Different parts of the plant may yield various shades for textile dyeing.
- The dried seed heads of avens can add an ornamental value to floral arrangements or crafts, by providing a unique texture and visual interest.
- Avens leaves can be used as a green mulch for gardens, decomposing to add nutrients back into the soil.
- The plant can be planted in erosion-prone areas as its root system helps to stabilize the soil.
- In companion planting, avens is said to repel certain insect pests, thereby protecting nearby plants in the garden.
- The flowers of avens can serve as a natural food coloring in culinary preparations, offering a subtle hue to dishes.
- Avens can be incorporated into sensory gardens due to its appealing foliage texture and vibrant flowers that engage touch and sight.
- The plant may be used in educational settings, such as schools or community gardens, for teaching about pollination and the lifecycle of plants.
- Avens can be utilized in wildlife gardens as it provides nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- When planted along walkways or paths, avens can create a soft, natural edge that requires minimal maintenance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAvens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityAvens is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: Geum 'Hannay's', or Avens, often represents inner strength and the will to persevere through adversity because of its hardy nature and long blooming season.
- Protection: In folklore, Avens has been thought to offer protection against evil and harm, likely due to its medicinal qualities and the long-standing belief in the plant's healing powers.
- Good Health: With its history as a medicinal plant, Avens symbolizes good health and well-being, conveying wishes for recovery or maintenance of health.
- Cheerfulness: The bright, warm-colored flowers of Avens stand for cheerfulness and a positive outlook, often bringing brightness to gardens and spirits alike.
WaterAvens 'Hannay's' should be watered regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, providing it with about 1 to 2 gallons per week, depending upon the size of the plant and the climate conditions. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases, and water at the base of the plant. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down. However, never let the soil become completely dry, even in winter.
LightAvens 'Hannay's' prefers full sun to partial shade conditions. It thrives best when receiving at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. An ideal spot for this plant would be in a garden bed that receives morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon, which can help protect the plant from excessively harsh sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureAvens 'Hannay's' tolerates a wide range of temperatures but performs best when the temperature stays between 50°F and 70°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F in winter, emphasizing their hardiness in cold conditions. However, during extremely hot summers, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent stress on the plants when temperatures rise above 85°F.
PruningAvens 'Hannay's' should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage reblooming. Deadheading, or cutting back the old flower stems, can be done throughout the blooming period. Additionally, cut back the foliage in late fall or early spring to tidy the plant and promote vigorous growth. Pruning is usually not required more than once or twice a year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAvens prefers a well-drained soil with a mix of compost, loamy or sandy components, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingAvens does not need frequent repotting; do it every 2-3 years or when rootbound.
Humidity & MistingAvens thrives in average room humidity but can tolerate a range of conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in a sunny spot, ensure well-drained soil, and water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, maintain moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleGeum 'Hannay's', commonly known as Double Bloody Mary, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in late spring or early summer, given adequate moisture and temperature conditions. The seedlings soon develop into a rosette of leaves close to the ground throughout their first growing season. In the following year, the plant matures and sends up flowering stems, often reaching 30 to 45 cm in height, with the distinctive frilly double flowers in a rich, reddish-orange hue that bloom in late spring to early summer. After blooming, if not deadheaded, the plant can produce achene fruits, which are dry and do not split open when ripe, thereby enabling seed dispersal. Over the years, Geum 'Hannay's' can spread and form dense clumps by vegetative reproduction through its rhizomatous root system. The plant is perennial, and with proper care, including division every few years to maintain vigor, it can thrive and contribute to the garden's aesthetic for many seasons.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Geum 'Hannay's', commonly known as Hannay's Avens, is most commonly propagated by division, typically in the fall or early spring. This process involves carefully digging up the plant and gently separating it into smaller clumps, ensuring that each new section has a piece of the root system. These clumps can then be replanted directly into the garden or into pots, spaced approximately 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Watering the new divisions thoroughly helps to establish them in their new locations. This method capitalizes on the plant's natural tendency to spread by rhizomes and is most effective as it maintains the clone's genetic identity, ensuring the new plants have the same desirable traits as the parent.
