Mountain Avens
geum montanum
Also known as: ["Alpine Avens","Mountain Rose"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to mountainous regions of Europe, known for its bright yellow flowers and hardy nature.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","cold hardy","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Geum |
| Botanical Name: | Geum montanum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, border fronts, or containers in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season; prune lightly in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or damaged growth and spent blooms.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or bright indirect light per day.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid placing in dark corners.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring and summer only; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of root clumps.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establishment takes 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or bud; avoid cutting into old wood.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools before use; prune dead or diseased parts; shape as needed; remove spent flowers.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenation.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during spring and summer, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in extreme heat; leaf drop or dormancy in cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage, slow growth, or induce premature dormancy.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGeum montanum is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicGeum montanum is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicGeum montanum is not known to exhibit toxic properties in humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Geum montanum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Is Geum montanum toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How much maintenance does Geum montanum require?
A: It requires low maintenance, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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