Avens Geum 'Mai Tai' (PBR) (Cocktails Series)
ABOUT
Geum 'Mai Tai' is part of the Cocktails Series and is a captivating herbaceous perennial that adds a splash of color to any garden. The foliage forms a low mound of intricately lobed green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the plant's standout feature: its flowers. These blossoms emerge on slender, branching stems that rise elegantly above the leaves. The flowers of Geum 'Mai Tai' are particularly notable for their beautiful color transition. Initially, the semi-double flowers open to reveal a warm, peachy-apricot hue with delicately ruffled petals. As the blooms mature, they transform, displaying a spectrum of shades from soft pink to creamy yellow tones. The petals may exhibit a subtle gradient, with softer coloring at the edges that deepen toward the flower's center. The center of each flower is adorned with a small button-like core, often a slightly darker shade than the petals, which contrasts nicely with the light stamens that surround it. The overall effect is one of soft, pastel charm that brings a cheerful, sophisticated air to a garden. Geum 'Mai Tai' typically blooms for an extended period throughout late spring and early summer, offering a long-lasting display of its enchanting flowers. Their nodding heads and graceful stems sway with the breeze, adding movement and a dynamic quality to their planting location. This perennial also has a tidy, mounding habit, which adds to its decorative appeal when not in bloom. Its semi-evergreen leaves remain attractive throughout the season, providing ongoing interest even after the flowers have faded. With its romantic floral display and pleasing foliage, Geum 'Mai Tai' is a lovely choice for borders, cottage gardens, or containers where its alluring flowers can be appreciated up close. Its distinctive color palette works well in a variety of garden designs, often paired with other perennials that complement its soft tones and lush foliage.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Avens.
Common names
Geum 'Mai Tai' (PBR) (Cocktails Series)
ToxicityTo humans
The Geum 'Mai Tai', also commonly known as Avens from the Cocktails Series, is not generally considered toxic to humans. There is limited information suggesting that it has any poisonous effects when ingested, and it typically does not pose a threat to human health. However, as with all plants, it's always a good idea to exercise caution and prevent ingestion, especially by children, since individual reactions can vary, and not all potential toxins may be fully documented.
To pets
The Geum 'Mai Tai', commonly known as Avens from the Cocktails Series, is not widely recognized as toxic to pets either. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning in pets such as dogs and cats from ingesting this plant. Nevertheless, pet owners should still exercise caution and prevent their pets from eating plants, as individual animals can have unique sensitivities, and not all plant species have been comprehensively studied for their effects on various animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Apricot
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Geum 'Mai Tai' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are vital for pollination.
- Easy to Grow: This particular cultivar is recognized for being easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Long Blooming: The Geum 'Mai Tai' typically has a lengthy blooming period from late spring to early summer, adding prolonged color to gardens.
- Compact Size: Its compact growth habit makes it an excellent choice for small gardens, borders, or container planting.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for regions with limited rainfall.
- Cold Hardy: The plant is cold hardy, which means it can survive in colder climates without special protection.
- Vibrant Color: Its semi-double apricot to pink flowers add a vibrant splash of color to garden spaces.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: It is often resistant to grazing by deer and rabbits, which can be beneficial in areas where these animals are common.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it will return each year, providing a reliable feature in garden planning.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The Geum 'Mai Tai' can be used by photographers as a natural prop in garden photography due to its vibrant color and unique form.
- Culinary Garnish: The blooms of Geum 'Mai Tai' can be used as an edible garnish for salads or desserts to add a splash of color, though one must ensure they are free of pesticides and safe for consumption.
- Artistic Inspiration: The plant can serve as a muse for artists, offering a vivid subject for paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Nature Crafts: The dried flowers and seed heads of Geum 'Mai Tai' can be incorporated into nature crafts such as wreaths, potpourri, or dried flower arrangements.
- Companion Planting: Geum 'Mai Tai' can be used in companion planting to complement roses and other perennials with its contrasting foliage and flowers.
- Education: This plant can be included in educational programs at botanical gardens and schools to teach about perennial plant care and propagation.
- Theme Gardens: Geum 'Mai Tai' can be used in a cocktail-themed garden alongside other plants with beverage-related names, adding an element of fun to the garden design.
- Petal Confetti: Petals of the Geum 'Mai Tai' can be used as natural, biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations and weddings.
- Photography Workshops: The plant's attractiveness can serve as a subject for macro photography workshops, helping participants to enhance their close-up photography skills.
- Conservation: Geum 'Mai Tai' can be included in conservation gardens and pollinator gardens to support local wildlife, such as bees and butterflies, by providing them with nectar and habitat.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Celebration: Since 'Mai Tai' is a name associated with a popular cocktail, this plant often symbolizes festivity and enjoyment, much like the mood that a Mai Tai drink would be a part of.
- Warmth and Cheer: The bright and vibrant color of the Geum 'Mai Tai' flower represents warmth, cheerfulness, and the sunny disposition of summer days.
- Attraction and Allure: The flower's bold hues and inviting appearance symbolize attraction and allure, perhaps hinting at its ability to attract pollinators in the garden and the eyes of passersby.
- Perseverance: As a hardy perennial, it can also be symbolic of resilience and the ability to withstand various challenges, blooming season after season.
WaterThe Avens 'Mai Tai' should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically translates to approximately 1 gallon of water every week, depending on climate conditions such as temperature and humidity. It's crucial to water the plant at the base, keeping the foliage dry to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Over-watering or allowing the plant to sit in water can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage. During the active growing season in spring and summer, the Avens 'Mai Tai' may require more frequent watering, especially in hotter, drier climates.
LightAvens 'Mai Tai' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. An ideal location would offer morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in regions with intense midday heat, to prevent scorching the leaves.
TemperatureAvens 'Mai Tai' prefers moderate temperatures and can generally survive in a temperature range from 50°F to 80°F. The plant is hardy through much of the United States and can tolerate temperatures down to about 40°F, but it should be protected from severe frosts and prolonged cold periods below this range. The ideal growing conditions for Avens 'Mai Tai' are temperatures that consistently stay within 60°F to 75°F.
PruningAvens 'Mai Tai' benefits from pruning to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and stimulate more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. In late winter or early spring, cut back the entire plant to a few inches above the ground. This helps to invigorate the plant and allows for fresh, healthy growth in the spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAvens 'Mai Tai' flourishes in well-drained soil with a mix of loam and organic matter, like compost or peat moss. The best pH for this plant is moderately acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.0. An ideal soil mix includes two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part organic matter to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingAvens 'Mai Tai' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. Repot every 3-4 years or when the plant outgrows its current container, usually in the spring.
Humidity & MistingAvens 'Mai Tai' is adaptable and does not require specific humidity conditions. It can thrive in average garden environments without the need for increased humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Avens 'Mai Tai' in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant Avens 'Mai Tai' in partial shade to full sun, in fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleGeum 'Mai Tai', commonly known as Avens, starts its life as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil, typically in spring. The seedlings develop into a rosette of leaves at the ground level, and as they mature, they establish a deep, sturdy root system. During its vegetative stage, the plant grows both in foliage and root depth, preparing for the blooming period. In late spring to early summer, Avens produces flowering stems with distinctive semi-double, apricot to pink flowers that attract pollinators to the garden. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruiting heads with seeds that can disperse to propagate new plants. The plant is perennial, so once it has completed its annual cycle of growth, flowering, and seed production, it will enter a period of dormancy during the colder months, only to begin the cycle again the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Geum 'Mai Tai', a plant from the Cocktails Series, is most commonly propagated by division. This method is usually undertaken in early spring or fall, outside of the plant's blooming period to ensure minimal stress. During this process, gardeners carefully dig up an established clump of Geum 'Mai Tai' and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each new section has a healthy portion of roots attached. These new sections are then replanted at the same depth they were growing previously, allowing them to establish themselves as individual plants. Regular watering and monitoring for pests or disease help the new plants to settle in and thrive.
