Water Avens Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety'
ABOUT
Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety', commonly known as Water Avens, is a perennial plant that is appreciated for its unique and attractive appearance. It has a mound of fuzzy, pinnately compound leaves that are medium green in color. The foliage forms a lush basal clump from which rise wiry, branching stems topped with distinctive nodding flowers. These blooms, characteristic of the variety, have a bell-like shape and often display a range of colors, from dusky peach to soft orange and pinkish hues, with a contrasting halo of cream or yellow surrounding the flower's center. The petals are often puckered at the edges, lending a ruffled texture. Beneath the flowers, small green sepals create a subtle backdrop, further enhancing the warm tones of the petals. The stamens within the blooms are a noticeable feature, giving the flowers a delicate, fringed look. During its blooming period, the Water Avens offers a charming display that adds a touch of whimsy and color to shaded garden areas.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Leonard's Variety Water Avens, Chocolate Root
Common names
Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Water avens (Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety') is not known to be toxic to humans. Consequently, accidental ingestion of this plant is not typically associated with poisoning symptoms. However, it is still advisable to avoid eating any plants unless you are certain they are safe for consumption, and to keep them away from young children who might accidentally ingest them.
To pets
Water avens (Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety') is not known to be toxic to pets. Therefore, if a pet were to ingest parts of this plant, it is not expected to lead to poisoning symptoms. Nonetheless, pets should be monitored for any unusual behavior after ingestion as individual sensitivities can vary, and it's generally recommended to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precautionary measure.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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 pollinators: Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety' is known to attract bees and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Aesthetic appeal: This plant has distinctive nodding pink flowers that can add a touch of elegance and charm to any garden setting.
- Wildlife habitat: Provides food and habitat for wildlife, supporting local biodiversity.
- Low maintenance: Once established, it is generally easy to care for and does not require frequent watering or fertilization.
- Shade tolerance: It can grow in partial shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens or areas with dappled sunlight.
- Tolerates damp soil: Prefers moist conditions, which makes it a good choice for wetter areas of the garden or near water features.
- Seasonal interest: Offers visual interest throughout its blooming season and can have attractive seed heads in the fall.
- Perennial growth: As a perennial, it will return year after year, providing long-term value in the garden.
- Border plants: Can be used to create borders or edging in garden paths due to its clumping growth habit.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Water Garden Highlight β The plant can be a beautiful accent in water gardens due to its moisture-loving nature and attractive foliage.
- Erosion Control β Planted on stream banks, the plant helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion with its dense root system.
- Photography β Its unique flowers make it an excellent subject for botanical photography.
- Culinary Garnish β While not common, the petals can be used to add a touch of elegance as an edible garnish on special dishes.
- Artistic Inspiration β The Water Avens has been used as a muse for botanical illustrators and watercolor artists due to its delicate form.
- Educational Tool β Use this plant to educate about native flora and the importance of preserving local plant species.
- Wildlife Attraction β They are known to attract bees and butterflies, making them great for supporting local pollinators.
- Dye Production β Historically, some species of Geum could be used to produce a dye, though it's an unusual use today.
- Beekeeping β Geum rivale can be planted near beehives to promote honey production as they are good nectar sources.
- Cold Compost Ingredient β Their leaves and stems can be added to a compost heap, especially in a cold composting method where tougher plant material is acceptable.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Water Avens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Water Avens is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Water Avens (Geum rivale):
- Healing: Water Avens have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, symbolizing healing and the restoration of health.
- Protection: In folklore, it was believed that Water Avens could ward off evil spirits and protect against negativity, representing safety and spiritual safeguarding.
- Hospitality: The inviting appearance of the Geum rivale's nodding blooms may be seen as a symbol of welcoming and kindness to others.
- Harmony With Nature: Water Avens thrive in damp, wild environments, symbolizing a harmonious existence with the natural world and adaptability to one's surroundings.
- Water
The nodding avens should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once every week, though this frequency should be adjusted based on weather conditions and the season. Water deeply and evenly, ensuring that the soil is moistened throughout but allowing excess water to drain away, as the plant does not like to sit in water. During the active growing season in spring and summer, maintain consistent moisture, which might equate to about 1 gallon of water per week, depending on your local climate and soil drainage. Reduce watering in the fall and further in the winter to prevent root rot, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry.
- Light
The nodding avens prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Ideal spots are those that offer some protection from the intense heat of the afternoon sun, such as under the high, dappled shade of a tree canopy. Avoid deep shade as it may result in leggy plants and fewer blooms.
- Temperature
Nodding avens thrives in a wide range of temperatures and can withstand cold weather down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit but is best suited to temperate conditions. The plant's ideal growing temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night. Avoid extreme heat, as prolonged temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant.
- Pruning
Prune nodding avens to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading, or the removal of old blooms, can be performed throughout the flowering season to maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the plant after flowering has completed to promote dense, bushy growth for the next season. Pruning is best done with clean, sharp shears to minimize damage to the plant.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Water Avens 'Leonard's Variety' thrives in a well-drained, fertile soil mix with a pH between 5.5 and 7. A mix of loamy soil with added organic matter such as compost and leaf mold will create the ideal environment. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
- Repotting
Water Avens 'Leonard's Variety' doesn't often need repotting and itβs usually best to divide the plants every 2-3 years to maintain vigor. Repotting should be done in the spring or fall.
- Humidity & Misting
Water Avens 'Leonard's Variety' prefers average to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It does not require any special humidity conditions beyond the normal outdoor environment.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
- Life cycle
Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety', commonly known as water avens, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after stratification (cold treatment) germinates in the spring. The seedling then develops into a rosette of basal leaves and establishes a root system. As the plant matures, it sends up flowering stems the following spring, which bear nodding, bell-shaped flowers that are typically pinkish-orange with purplish veining. After pollination, usually by insects, the flowers develop into dry, inedible fruits (achenes) that are dispersed by wind or water. Water avens is a perennial herb, so it survives the winter in a dormant state with its rootstock, and resumes growth each subsequent spring, repeating the flowering and seeding process annually. The plant can also spread vegetatively through its rhizomes, which allows for the creation of new plants and the expansion of colonies.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Geum rivale 'Leonard's Variety', also known as water avens, is commonly propagated through division, which is best done in spring or autumn. The most popular method involves gently lifting the plant from the ground with a garden fork, taking care not to damage the roots. The clump should then be carefully separated into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the roots and a few shoots. These sections can then be replanted at the same soil depth they were growing at previously, spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Watering the new divisions thoroughly will help them establish in their new locations.