Avens Geum 'Lemon Drops'
ABOUT
Geum 'Lemon Drops' is a charming perennial plant widely admired for its lovely appearance and bright, cheerful flowers. The plant showcases a clump of foliage at its base, which is typically rich green and made up of hairy, pinnately divided leaves that give it a lush, dense texture. Throughout its blooming season, it sends up slender stems topped with an abundance of dainty, cup-shaped flowers. These blossoms possess a delightful lemon-yellow hue that truly stands out in garden settings, resembling small drops of sunshine. The bright flowers contrast beautifully against the greenery of the foliage, creating a striking visual impact. The appearance of Geum 'Lemon Drops' encapsulates a quintessential cottage garden aesthetic, with its simple yet vibrant flowers swaying gently atop wiry stems in the soft breeze. This plant is often valued for its prolonged flowering period and its ability to bring a burst of color to the front of borders or as a part of a mixed garden bed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Lemon Drops Avens
Common names
Geum 'Lemon Drops'
ToxicityTo humans
The Geum 'Lemon Drops', commonly known as Avens, is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting this plant typically does not lead to poisoning or adverse health effects. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating plants not specifically grown for consumption, since individual sensitivity to non-edible plants can vary.
To pets
The Geum 'Lemon Drops', commonly referred to as Avens, is not known to be poisonous to pets such as cats and dogs. Ingesting parts of this plant is not expected to cause toxic reactions or significant health issues in pets. Nevertheless, it's always a good practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants since they could cause gastrointestinal upset or an individual allergic reaction in some cases.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
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 'Lemon Drops' produces flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being low maintenance, which is great for beginner gardeners or those with limited time.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Geum 'Lemon Drops' has a good tolerance to dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Flowering Season: It offers a long period of blooming, typically from late spring to summer, providing extended visual interest in the garden.
- Edging and Borders: Due to its compact size, it works well for the front of borders or as edging plants, helping to define garden spaces.
- Colorful Foliage: Even when not in bloom, the foliage of Geum 'Lemon Drops' can add texture and color variance to garden beds.
- Resistant to Pests: This plant is generally resistant to pests, meaning it's less likely to require chemical treatments.
- Versatile Plant: It can be used in various garden designs, including cottage gardens, rock gardens, and perennial borders.
- Non-Invasive: Geum 'Lemon Drops' is not known to be invasive, making it a good choice for gardeners who want to maintain control over their plantings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Garnishes: The vibrant yellow flowers of the Geum can be used to garnish salads and desserts, adding a splash of color to the presentation.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The petals and leaves contain pigments that can be used to naturally dye fabrics and yarns in shades of yellow and green.
- Photographic Subject: Geum's bright flowers provide an excellent subject for macro photography, useful for botanical education and art.
- Plant Combinations: Garden designers use Geum 'Lemon Drops' for contrasting foliage and color combinations in perennial borders.
- Craft Projects: Pressed Geum flowers can be used in craft projects, such as in making bookmarks, greeting cards, or in decoupage.
- Edging Plants: With their compact growth habit, Geum can be used as border edging in garden designs, marking pathways or garden sections.
- Ecosystem Support: Although not widely recognized, Geum can provide food for certain pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried Geum flowers can be incorporated into floral arrangements and bouquets for a touch of gentle yellow warmth.
- Children’s Gardens: Due to their bright colors and non-toxic nature, Geum 'Lemon Drops' can be used to create engaging gardens for children.
- Winter Interest: Some Geum species can retain their seed heads in winter, adding texture and interest to the garden during the colder months.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geum 'Lemon Drops' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geum 'Lemon Drops' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Cheerfulness: With a name like 'Lemon Drops', this Geum variety evokes a sense of light-heartedness and positivity, akin to the sunny hue of lemon.
- Refreshment: Just as the taste of a lemon drop can be refreshing on a hot day, this plant symbolizes a refreshing change or outlook.
- Eternal Love: In the language of flowers, the Geum species is often associated with everlasting love, hinting at deep affection and unending bonds.
- Good Health: The vibrant yellow color of 'Lemon Drops' is reminiscent of vitality and energy, symbolizing wishes for good health and well-being.
WaterAvens, commonly referred to as Geum 'Lemon Drops', should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Aim to provide about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session. During hot and dry spells, water twice a week to maintain moisture. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage. Adjust watering frequency to the plant's needs, observing soil moisture as a guide.
LightAvens or Geum 'Lemon Drops' performs best in full sun to partial shade. It thrives with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight but can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter regions. The ideal spot is an east- or south-facing garden where it receives ample morning light and is protected from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun.
TemperatureAvens, also known as Geum 'Lemon Drops', favors temperatures ranging between 60°F and 70°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to around 50°F and maximum temperatures up to about 80°F. These plants prefer cooler conditions and may struggle or go dormant in extreme heat above 80°F.
PruningAvens, also known as Geum 'Lemon Drops', should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Pruning also helps maintain the plant's shape and removes any dead or diseased foliage. The best time for pruning is immediately after the first flowering has completed, typically in early summer. Annual pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to remove old growth and make way for new shoots.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAvens 'Lemon Drops' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. A mixture containing equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand encourages healthy growth. Adequate organic matter will help retain moisture while providing necessary nutrients.
RepottingAvens 'Lemon Drops' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in the growing season.
Humidity & MistingAvens 'Lemon Drops' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the dry air found in most home environments. No specific humidity requirements are necessary outside of average room conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Avens 'Lemon Drops' in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant Avens 'Lemon Drops' in partial shade with rich, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleGeum 'Lemon Drops', commonly known as Avens, begins its life as a seed that germinates in moist, well-draining soil in early spring. The seedling stage follows, characterized by small green shoots and the development of the first true leaves. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant develops a rosette of fuzzy, pinnate leaves from which stems will grow the following year. During late spring to early summer, the plant reaches the flowering stage, showcasing bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators and later produce dry, inedible fruits containing seeds. After the flowering period, Avens enters a period of dormancy in the fall and winter, conserving energy for the next growing season. Throughout its life, Avens may also propagate vegetatively through the division of its clumps, allowing the plant to spread and create new individuals.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Geum 'Lemon Drops', commonly known as Avens, is often propagated in the spring or early summer. The most popular method of propagation is by division, where the clumps of the plant are carefully split into smaller sections. This is typically done as new growth appears, providing each section with several shoots and a portion of the root system. To propagate by division, the gardener would dig up an existing plant, gently tease apart the roots to create new plants, each with a fair amount of roots and shoots, and then replant these divisions at the same depth they were originally growing. New divisions should be watered well and kept moist until they establish themselves. This method is straightforward and has the advantage of producing mature plants much faster than starting from seed.
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