Avens Geum 'Karlskaer'
ABOUT
Geum 'Karlskaer', also known as Avens, features a charming and colorful appeal with its semi-double to double flowers that exhibit a vibrant orange hue. The blooms possess a rounded form and often display a pincushion-like center with petals arrayed around it in a frilled manner. These flowers are perched atop slender stems that rise elegantly above the foliage. The plant's leaves are mostly basal, which means they grow primarily at the base of the plant, forming a low mound. These leaves are typically green, with a notably hairy texture that can be deeply lobed, giving them a somewhat textured and feathered appearance. During its blooming period, Avens exudes a delightful, eye-catching display that can add a splash of brightness to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Avens
Common names
Geum 'Karlskaer'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Geum 'Karlskaer', commonly known as Avens, is not known to be toxic to humans. Typically, there are no adverse effects reported from ingesting this plant or touching it.
To pets
The Geum 'Karlskaer', or Avens, is not considered toxic to pets. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning in pets from ingesting parts of this plant. Therefore, it is not expected to cause any significant symptoms or health concerns for animals that may ingest it.
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 'Karlskaer' produces colorful flowers that can attract bees and butterflies to your garden, promoting pollination.
- Low maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long blooming period: This perennial has a lengthy bloom time, often providing flowers from late spring to early summer.
- Drought resistant: Geum 'Karlskaer' has the ability to withstand periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold hardy: It can survive in colder climates, making it a versatile plant for various garden zones.
- Decorative cut flowers: The blossoms of Geum 'Karlskaer' make excellent cut flowers for vases and arrangements.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: The plant is known to be less palatable to deer and rabbits, which helps prevent grazing damage.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Avens can be used as a natural fabric dye, producing a range of colors from yellow to green, depending on the mordant used.
- It may be implemented in potpourri mixes due to its leaves' subtle scent when dried and crushed.
- In photography, the distinct flowers of Avens can provide an alluring subject for macro photography enthusiasts.
- Avens petals can be used in the craft of making pressed flower art due to their color retention after drying.
- The plant can add an interesting texture in ornamental crafts, such as in wreaths or other dried floral arrangements.
- During historical reenactment events, Avens can be used to create authentic plant displays that reflect period gardens.
- Gardeners may use the Avens as a companion plant to some vegetables, as it can attract pollinators to the garden.
- The Avens can serve as an educational tool in schools for lessons on plant life cycles and botany.
- When planted along walkways or near seating areas, they can provide a pleasant visual encounter due to their splash of color.
- Avens are suitable for creating natural borders or edges in garden landscape design, providing a soft, organic line.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Geum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Geum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Geum 'Karlskaer', commonly known as Avens, often symbolizes beauty due to its attractive and vibrant flowers.
- Healing: This plant has been associated with healing properties in herbal medicine, representing the power to heal.
- Protection: In some cultures, Avens is believed to offer protection against evil and negativity.
- Perseverance: With its ability to thrive in various conditions, the Avens symbolizes perseverance and the ability to overcome challenges.
WaterAvens prefer consistent moisture, so ensure the soil doesn't dry out completely. During active growth in spring and summer, water thoroughly once a week, providing approximately one inch, or roughly 0.6 gallons per square foot. In cooler months, reduce the frequency, but don't let the soil become bone dry. If the weather is particularly hot or windy, check the soil moisture level more frequently, as Avens may need additional waterings to maintain their health.
LightAvens thrive in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would receive morning sunlight with dappled afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent leaf scorch. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureAvens are hardy and can withstand a range of temperature conditions. They perform best in temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive minimum temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant, although it's generally quite resilient.
PruningPrune Avens after the initial blooming period to encourage a second bloom and to maintain plant vigor. Deadheading faded flowers regularly will also promote continuous flowering. The best time for more extensive pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAvens prefer well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Mix garden soil with compost and a bit of sand.
RepottingAvens do not usually require frequent repotting; doing so every 2 to 3 years is sufficient unless they outgrow their pots.
Humidity & MistingAvens are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but perform best in average to high humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Avens in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Avens in partial shade and ensure well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleGeum 'Karlskaer', commonly known as Avens, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions, usually in spring. The seedlings develop into rosettes of foliage, establishing a strong root system. As the plant matures, it forms leafy stems and produces a profusion of semi-double, bright orange flowers from late spring to early summer, which attract a variety of pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into dry, inedible fruits (achenes), each containing a seed that can be dispersed to produce new plants. In the subsequent growing seasons, the plant will continue to flourish, producing new flowering stems each year. During the winter or unfavorable conditions, the plant dies back to its perennial rootstock, ready to regrow and repeat the cycle in the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Geum 'Karlskaer', commonly known as Avens, can be effectively propagated by division. This method is most popular and should be carried out in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant and gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each with a good root system and several shoots. It is important to replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing and water them well to help establish the roots. Divisions allow the gardener to maintain the characteristics of the parent plant, making it a reliable and simple method to increase the number of Geum 'Karlskaer' in the garden.
