Avens Geum 'Prinses Juliana'
ABOUT
Geum 'Prinses Juliana', commonly known as Avens, presents a captivating appearance. The plant is characterized by its showy, semi-double flowers with a vibrant orange hue that stands out in the garden. These flowers bloom atop slender, branching stems, creating an airy and whimsical effect. The foliage of Avens is equally attractive. The leaves at the base of the plant, known as basal leaves, are often rounded with a textured, somewhat hairy surface, adding an element of lush greenery at ground level. These basal leaves can form a dense, verdant mound that serves as the perfect backdrop for the stunning flowers. As the stems rise above the basal foliage, the leaves growing along them may become progressively smaller and more sparse. The contrast between the bright green leaves and the striking orange flowers creates a delightful display of colors and textures. The plant is known for its extended blooming period, which allows gardeners to enjoy its flowers through much of the growing season. With its charming appearance, Avens adds a burst of color and a touch of elegance to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Avens, Geum, Princess Juliana Avens.
Common names
Geum 'Prinses Juliana'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Geum 'Prinses Juliana', commonly known as Avens, is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of toxicity in scientific literature, and it is not listed among commonly toxic plants. Therefore, ingesting parts of the Avens typically does not result in poisoning or adverse health consequences for humans.
To pets
The Geum 'Prinses Juliana', commonly known as Avens, is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It does not appear on the toxic plant lists provided by major animal health organizations, which suggests that ingestion of this plant by pets is not likely to cause poisoning or severe health issues. However, it is always advisable to monitor pets around plants and prevent them from ingesting plant material, as individual animals might have sensitivities or allergic reactions.
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 'Prinses Juliana' produces vividly colored flowers that are appealing to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for being hardy and easy to care for, which makes it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Period: This plant has a prolonged flowering time, often from late spring to early summer, adding long-lasting color to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Geum 'Prinses Juliana' can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for low-water gardens.
- Ornamental Appeal: With its bright orange flowers, it provides a striking visual interest and can be a focal point in garden designs.
- Cottage Garden Staple: Its traditional appearance is ideal for cottage gardens, but it also blends well with modern planting schemes.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, offering a fresh option for indoor arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: Its semi-evergreen foliage can provide visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom, offering year-round garden appeal.
- Companion Planting: Geum 'Prinses Juliana' pairs well with other perennials, adding variety and contrast to mixed borders.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and is generally resistant to pests and diseases.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The flowers of Geum 'Prinses Juliana' can be used to add a splash of color in edible arrangements, as the petals are non-toxic, though they are not commonly consumed.
- Dried flowers from the Geum 'Prinses Juliana' can be incorporated into potpourri blends for a natural, fragrant addition to the home.
- The vibrant blooms can be used as natural dyes for fabrics, imparting an orange hue to materials such as wool or silk.
- Geum 'Prinses Juliana' can be planted to create an ornamental ground cover in garden beds, which suppresses weeds and covers bare spots with its foliage.
- Petals from the Avens plant can be used in crafts, such as pressed flower art, due to their vivid color and shape retention after drying.
- Plant enthusiasts can use the robust root system of Geum 'Prinses Juliana' in soil erosion control for sloped gardens or banks, as it helps to hold the soil together.
- As a companion plant, Geum 'Prinses Juliana' can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, benefiting the pollination of nearby vegetable and fruit crops.
- Incorporating Geum 'Prinses Juliana' in a sensory garden can provide visual stimulation with its bright orange blooms and adds textural variety with its fuzzy stems and leaves.
- The sturdy stems of the plant can be used in floral arrangements to provide support and structure for more delicate flowers that may droop.
- Utilizing the Avens plant in educational settings such as schools or botanical gardens to demonstrate the life cycle of perennials, as it is a hardy and reliable bloomer.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAvens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityAvens is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: The fiery orange hue of the Avens (most common name for Geum 'Prinses Juliana') blossoms often symbolizes a passionate feeling or intense emotion.
- Energy: With its vibrant and bright colors, Avens is sometimes associated with energy and a zest for life.
- Healing: Historically, some species of Avens have been used in herbal medicine for their perceived healing properties, making the flower a symbol of health and healing.
- Protection: In olden days, the Avens plant was thought to ward off evil spirits and negativity, and was often planted in gardens for this symbolic protection.
- Harmony: The ease at which this plant grows in various conditions can symbolize harmony with nature and adaptability to different environments.
WaterThe Avens, commonly known by its cultivar name Geum 'Prinses Juliana', should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During active growth in the spring and summer, water the Avens approximately once a week with about 1 inch of water. Reduce watering frequency during the fall and hardly water in winter, as the plant requires less moisture when it's not in active growth. It's crucial to avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Always check the soil moisture by touching it; if the top inch feels dry, it's time to water.
LightAvens thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, but it can also tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade as it can impede flowering and result in a leggy growth.
TemperatureAvens performs well in a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F before going dormant in winter and can handle heat up to 80°F during the growing season. For optimal growth, keep the Avens in an environment where temperatures stay between 60°F and 70°F.
PruningAvens benefits from pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage a second flush of blooms. Prune or deadhead the faded flowers regularly throughout the blooming season. Pruning in spring also helps to shape the plant and promote a bushier growth. An annual prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back the foliage to ground level, clears away dead leaves and prepares the plant for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAvens 'Prinses Juliana' thrives best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix might consist of loam, compost, and sand to facilitate proper drainage.
RepottingAvens 'Prinses Juliana' typically does not need frequent repotting; it should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it's clearly outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingAvens 'Prinses Juliana' prefers average to slightly above average humidity levels but is quite adaptable and does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use well-draining soil, place in bright indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, ensure well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleGeum 'Prinses Juliana', commonly known as Avens, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in a well-drained soil mix and exposed to light, germinates within a few weeks. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a young plant with a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, and a deep, thick taproot beneath. During its vegetative stage, which can last for one or more growing seasons, the plant develops a clump of foliage and prepares for flowering. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, displaying showy, semi-double orange flowers atop wiry stems that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into achenes, which are dry fruits containing seeds that are dispersed by wind or wildlife. The plant may die back to the ground in cold winters, but as a perennial, it will regrow from its rootstock to repeat its life cycle in the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Geum 'Princess Juliana' can be propagated most effectively by division. This method is best undertaken in the fall or early spring when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, gently dig up the entire clump and carefully separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a healthy portion of roots attached. These divisions should then be replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were growing previously. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. Over time, they will grow into mature plants identical to the parent. This process is not only the most popular but also relatively simple and provides a quick way to multiply your Geums while maintaining the characteristics of the 'Princess Juliana' variety.
