Large-leaved avens
geum macrophyllum
Also known as: ["Large-leaved avens","Wood avens"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with large leaves and yellow flowers, native to North America.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Geum |
| Botanical Name: | Geum macrophyllum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings or woodland gardens with partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead flowers as they fade; prune lightly in early spring to remove dead or weak stems.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates dappled light in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); thrives in temperate climates with cool summers.
Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize lightly; apply before new growth emerges; discontinue in late summer to avoid tender growth.
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings; division is preferred for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots.
- Cut stems just below a node.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions (70–75°F or 21–24°C) with indirect light for cuttings.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; garden soil for division.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; cuttings: roots in 4–6 weeks, transplantable in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; use sterile tools to prevent disease.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead by cutting above a leaf node; thin stems by cutting at the base.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; thin out crowded stems to improve air circulation.
Tools
Hand pruners, clean scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; cut back weak stems; sanitize tools between cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim roots if necessary; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with added compost.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; division is often combined with repotting.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage holes; trim roots if crowded; use fresh soil mix.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, adjusting for rainfall.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or root rot in cold, wet conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause root damage, especially in poorly drained soil.
Solution: Plant in well-drained soil; provide mulch for insulation; protect from frost with a frost cloth.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, flower bud drop, and leaf scorch, especially in dry conditions.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially nitrogen-rich formulas.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGeum macrophyllum is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented adverse effects on feline health when ingested in typical quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicGeum macrophyllum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects on canine health when ingested in typical quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicGeum macrophyllum is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Geum macrophyllum grow?
A: It typically grows to 30-60 cm in height.
Q: Does Geum macrophyllum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its yellow flowers.
Q: Is Geum macrophyllum suitable for shade gardens?
A: Yes, it thrives in partial shade and can tolerate full shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
