Cooks Orange Border Geum Geum coccineum Sibth. & Sm.
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the scarlet avens is a perennial flowering herb with an attractive and colorful presence. It features a basal rosette of pinnately divided leaves with numerous leaflets that have a hairy texture. The foliage is generally medium to dark green in color. From the center of the rosette, flowering stems emerge, topped with a modest number of vibrant, bowl-shaped flowers. The blooms of scarlet avens are striking, with their fiery shades of orange to scarlet red. The petals are slightly notched and radiate around a central button-like mound of stamens, which often appears in a contrasting yellow or gold hue. The lush blooms can create a warm visual effect in any garden space. Their bright colors make them stand out, drawing the eye and contributing to a diverse palette of garden hues. Below the floral display, the hairy stems and deep green leaves continue to contribute to the plant’s textured appearance. The foliage provides a lush backdrop to the vivid flowers, creating a contrast that accentuates the intensity of the flowering tops. Overall, the scarlet avens possess an enticing charm, with its richly colored flowers offering a dash of warmth to its surroundings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Cook's Orange, Borisii Avens, Dwarf Orange Avens, Orange Avens.
Common names
Geum heldreichii Orph. ex Boiss., Geum bulgaricum Pančić, Geum anemonoides Pancic
ToxicityTo humans
Geum coccineum Sibth. & Sm., commonly known as Scarlet Avens, is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to humans. There is limited information available on the toxicity of Scarlet Avens, suggesting that it is generally considered safe and poses no significant risk if accidentally ingested in small quantities. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning are commonly associated with this plant. As with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is advisable to avoid consuming any plant material unless it is known to be safe and edible.
To pets
Scarlet Avens (Geum coccineum Sibth. & Sm.) is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets. There appears to be limited evidence or reports of significant toxicity in domestic animals such as dogs and cats. Consequently, no specific symptoms of poisoning are widely recognized for pets that might ingest parts of this plant. However, as with human consumption, it's always prudent to prevent pets from eating plants that are not designated as pet-safe, as individual animals might have unique sensitivities or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-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- Aesthetic Appeal: The Geum coccineum, commonly known as the Cook's Orange or Scarlet Avens, adds vibrant color to gardens with its bright orange to red flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: Its flowers attract a variety of pollinators, like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are essential for the health of many ecosystems.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being easy to cultivate and maintain in a wide range of soils and light conditions, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Scarlet Avens has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant has a long blooming season, beginning in late spring and sometimes extending into the fall, providing sustained interest in the garden.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers of Geum coccineum are suitable for cut flower arrangements, lasting well in vases and adding a splash of color indoors.
- Garden Borders: With its clumping growth habit, it works well in borders, rock gardens, and for edging paths or garden beds.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage can provide cover for small wildlife, creating a microhabitat within the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Scarlet Avens generally requires minimal care once established, other than occasional deadheading to promote further blooming.
- Soil Stabilization: The fibrous root system of the plant helps to stabilize the soil, making it useful for planting on slopes or areas prone to erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geum coccineum, commonly known as scarlet avens, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of warm, earthy tones depending on the mordant used.
- Scarlet avens' flowers can add an ornamental touch to salads and desserts when used as edible garnishes, bringing a splash of color to culinary presentations.
- The dried seed heads of scarlet avens offer textural interest in flower arrangements and can be used in dried bouquets for long-lasting decoration.
- Living barriers of scarlet avens can serve as low, informal hedging in gardens to divide spaces or line pathways due to their mounding growth habit.
- Scarlet avens can be incorporated into natural pest control strategies; the aromatic foliage may deter certain garden pests.
- The flowers and leaves of scarlet avens can be used to make a natural ink for art purposes, although not commonly practiced.
- Scarlet avens can be planted around compost heaps to mask their appearance with the plant's attractive foliage and bright flowers.
- The leaves of scarlet avens can be used to create subtle patterns in papermaking, through a technique called botanical papermaking.
- In biodynamic farming, scarlet avens might be used as part of a flower mixture sown to enhance soil vitality and attract beneficial insects.
- Scarlet avens, due to their resilience, can be utilized in erosion control efforts in sloped gardens to help stabilize the soil with their root systems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Avens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Avens is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Geum coccineum, commonly known as Cook's orange, is a perennial, signifying the ability to endure and persist through varying conditions.
- Survival: As a hardy plant that can thrive in challenging environments, Cook's orange represents survival and adaptability in the face of adversity.
- Warmth: The bright orange flowers of the Cook's orange convey a sense of warmth and comfort, often associated with the nurturing aspect of nature.
- Hidden Beauty: Cook's orange, grown for its modest yet vibrant flowers, may symbolize the understated beauty that often goes unnoticed but is nonetheless enchanting.
WaterThe Scarlet Avens should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage a strong root system. Typically, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant will suffice, depending on the weather and soil conditions. During hot or dry periods, the watering frequency may increase to twice a week. Always check the soil moisture at a depth of a few inches to ensure it's not too dry before watering again. Overwatering and waterlogged soil should be avoided as this can lead to root rot.
LightScarlet Avens thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers a spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. However, in hotter climates, some afternoon shade will be beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureScarlet Avens is a hardy plant and can generally tolerate temperatures down from about 20°F to highs of 85°F. However, the ideal growing temperature range for optimal growth and flowering is between 60°F and 70°F. It's important to protect the plant from extreme cold snaps and hot spells outside of these ranges.
PruningPrune Scarlet Avens to remove spent flowers, which encourages further blooming, and to maintain a neat appearance. Deadheading should be done regularly throughout the blooming season. Additionally, you can cut back the foliage in late fall or early spring to tidy up the plant and promote healthy new growth. Pruning is typically not necessary for the health of the plant but is done for aesthetic reasons.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Scarlet Avens (Geum coccineum) prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of approximately 5.5 to 7.0. A soil mix of loam, organic compost, and sand can provide the optimal balance of drainage and fertility. It is important to enhance the soil with organic matter to support healthy growth.
RepottingScarlet Avens does not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should only be repotted if they outgrow their current container or if the soil has significantly degraded. Typically, repotting every 3-4 years is sufficient to maintain their health and vigor.
Humidity & MistingScarlet Avens thrives in average humidity levels found in most homes, which typically range from 40% to 60%. They do not have specific high humidity requirements and are quite adaptable to the ambient humidity in garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Scarlet Avens in a bright spot with moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant Scarlet Avens in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleGeum coccineum Sibth. & Sm., commonly known as Cook's Orange or scarlet avens, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring, given adequate moisture and temperature. Upon germination, the seedlings develop into a basal rosette of leaves during its first year, focusing energy on establishing a strong root system. The following year, it enters a vegetative growth stage where it produces taller stems and more leaves, preparing for reproduction. In late spring to early summer, scarlet avens progresses to the flowering stage, producing vibrant orange to red flowers that are attractive to various pollinators, which is crucial for its reproductive cycle. After pollination, the plant forms fruit that is a dry achene, which, when mature, disperses seeds to start the next generation. The plant is a perennial and will repeat this flowering and seeding cycle annually while the root rosette persists, allowing it to survive through the winter and regrow in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Geum coccineum, commonly known as the Cooky Avens, is by division. This is typically done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. Gardeners will carefully dig up the clump of avens, ensuring they have a good amount of the root system. They will then split the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. These sections are then replanted at the same depth they were growing at previously, spaced about 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Watering the newly planted divisions is crucial to help establish them. This straightforward process is effective because it maintains the characteristics of the parent plant while quickly expanding the garden.
