Water Avens Geum rivale 'Cream Drop'
ABOUT
The plant known as Cream Drop features soft, cream-colored, pendant flowers with a unique drooping habit that give it a delicate and attractive appearance. The petals of these flowers are often semi-double and carry a subtle charm that can catch the eye of any garden enthusiast. The plant also exhibits rounded, slightly hairy leaves which have a rich green color, contributing to the plant's lush appearance. These leaves are often borne on long, arching stems, creating a gentle mound of foliage. The overall impression of the Cream Drop is one of understated elegance, making it a delightful addition to garden settings where its nodding flowers add a touch of whimsy and romance.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Water Avens, Cream Drop, Chocolate Root, Indian Chocolate, Purple Avens, Water Flower.
Common names
Sieversia rivale, Geum rivale.
ToxicityTo humans
Water avens, including the cultivar 'Cream Drop', is generally not considered poisonous to humans. It does not contain significant toxins that would cause harm if ingested in typical garden or household exposures. Therefore, there are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning. However, it is always advisable to caution against consuming any plant unless it is known to be edible, as individual reactions can occur.
To pets
Water avens, specifically the 'Cream Drop' cultivar, is not known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. It does not contain toxins that are harmful to pets, therefore symptoms of poisoning are not typically expected. However, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets, so monitoring for any unusual signs after ingestion is still recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cream
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Geum rivale 'Cream Drop' can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in gardens.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being low-maintenance and easy to care for, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming: It offers a long blooming period from late spring to early summer, providing extended visual interest.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Deer Resistant: It is considered to be deer resistant, minimizing damage from wildlife browsing.
- Ground Cover: Its dense foliage makes it an excellent ground cover, suppressing weeds and stabilizing soil.
- Ornamental Value: With its nodding, bell-shaped flowers and attractive foliage, it adds aesthetic value to garden designs.
- Cold Hardy: Geum rivale 'Cream Drop' is hardy in a variety of climates, and can survive cold winters with minimal protection.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Water Garden Accent: Cream Drop can be used in water garden settings or near ponds due to its tolerance for moist soil, providing airy flowering accents.
- Erosion Control: This plant’s ability to grow in damp soils makes it ideal for planting on slopes or areas where erosion control is needed.
- Dye Production: The roots of Cream Drop can be used to create a natural dye, offering a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- Culinary Garnishes: The flowers are edible and can serve as a delicate, unique garnish for desserts and salads.
- Photography Prop: With its attractive blooms, Cream Drop serves as a beautiful subject or background in plant and garden photography.
- Wildlife Habitat: Cream Drop can be included in wildlife gardens to provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Aquatic Themed Art: The plant's natural habitat near water makes it a suitable reference or live model for artists creating aquatic-themed works.
- Educational Tool: Cream Drop can be used in educational settings to illustrate plant adaptation to wet environments.
- Nature-Inspired Design: Its charming blooms can inspire patterns for fabric, wallpaper, or other design elements.
- Ice Preservation: The attractive flowers can be frozen inside ice cubes to create a decorative touch for cold beverages at special events.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Water Avens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Water Avens is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Pure Love: The creamy hue of the 'Cream Drop' water avens' blossoms symbolizes a gentle and pure affection.
- Hidden Secrets: Native to cool regions and often found near water, the water avens is also associated with mysteries and the unknown, paralleling the hidden depths of water bodies it commonly grows around.
- Harmony: The balanced growth and the way the water avens blends into its natural habitat suggest a symbolism of harmony with the environment and inner peace.
WaterFor the water avens, water it deeply once a week, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. It prefers consistently moist conditions, so during hotter periods, this might require watering twice a week. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the top several inches of soil. Aim for about 1 gallon of water per square foot each time you water, adjusting as needed for your climate and the plant's response. Be cautious of overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
LightThe best light condition for the water avens is partial shade to full sun. It thrives under dappled sunlight or in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. While it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, ensure it has protection from the harsh midday sun in hotter regions.
TemperatureThe water avens can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 10°F to about 80°F. However, it prefers temperature ranges between 50°F and 70°F. It’s a hardy plant that can withstand cold winters and temperatures down to the minimum without issue. Avoid placing it where the summer temperatures frequently exceed 80°F, as it may stress the plant.
PruningPrune water avens to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading also prevents self-seeding if not desired. Pruning can be done throughout the flowering season. After the first frost, cut the plant back to just above ground level to help tidy up the garden and prepare it for winter dormancy. The best time to prune for shaping is in early spring, just as new growth is beginning.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe water avens 'Cream Drop' prefers well-drained, fertile soil with high organic matter content. A mix of loamy soil, peat, and sand is ideal for ensuring proper drainage and fertility. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0, to promote healthy growth.
RepottingWater avens 'Cream Drop' typically does not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. It is best to repot the plant every 2-3 years, or when you notice the plant outgrowing its current container or the soil becoming compacted.
Humidity & MistingWater avens 'Cream Drop' grows best in moderate to high humidity levels, mirroring its natural habitats by streams or in damp meadows. Aim for humidity levels of around 60-70% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place water avens 'Cream Drop' in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant water avens 'Cream Drop' in partial shade with moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGeum rivale 'Cream Drop', commonly known as Water Avens, starts its life as a seed, which, upon encountering suitable moist and fertile soil conditions, germinates usually in early spring. As a perennial, the seedling develops into a rosette of hairy, pinnate leaves close to the ground. In its subsequent growing seasons, it produces tall, arching stems with nodding, bell-shaped creamy-yellow flowers with a distinctive purplish-pink calyx that bloom in late spring to early summer. Following pollination by insects, the flowers form fruiting heads made up of achenes that are designed for dispersal by wind or water. Throughout the summer, the plant may continue to grow vegetatively, with new rosettes potentially forming from the rootstock. As winter approaches, the above-ground parts of the Water Avens die back, while the rootstock remains dormant under the soil until conditions are favourable for the next cycle of growth in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Geum rivale 'Cream Drop', commonly known as the Water Avens or Nodding Avens, is by division. This is best done in early spring or autumn. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant and use a sharp spade or knife to divide the clump into smaller pieces, each with a section of roots and several shoots. It is important to ensure that each division has at least one growth point. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil level they were growing at before, and water them in well. This method allows gardeners to quickly and effectively multiply their stock of Water Avens while maintaining the characteristics of the 'Cream Drop' cultivar.
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