Creeping Avens
geum reptans
Also known as: ["Alpine Avens","Creeping Geum"]
Overview
A low-growing, spreading perennial with bright yellow flowers and evergreen foliage, native to alpine regions.
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 reptans |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or raised beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils but benefits from compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead flowers as they fade; trim lightly in midsummer if needed; divide every 3–4 years.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning except during division.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide afternoon shade in hot areas; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with compost annually; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Hardy in cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); prefers cooler summers and tolerates frost.
Protect from extreme heat; ensure good drainage in cold; mulch to regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply in spring only; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings; division is the most reliable method for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- For cuttings: take 3–4 inch stems, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone (optional), plant in medium, keep moist.
- For division: dig up clump, divide into sections with roots, replant immediately.
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; divisions thrive in normal growing conditions.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix (e.g., peat and perlite) for cuttings; division can be done in regular garden soil.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 4–6 weeks; divisions establish quickly in the growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruners, trowel, rooting hormone (optional), pots or planting site.
Quick Tips
Take cuttings in early morning; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; divisions should have at least 3 shoots each.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off faded blooms just above a leaf junction; trim back stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim back leggy growth to maintain shape; divide clumps every 3–4 years to rejuvenate.
Tools
Hand pruners, gloves, clean cutting tools.
Checklist
Remove dead or damaged stems; deadhead regularly; clean tools between cuts to prevent disease.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly, and place in indirect light.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container; division is often preferred over repotting for mature plants.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water drains from the bottom but avoid waterlogging; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth (spring-summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in fall-winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or root rot in overly cold/wet conditions.
Cold Stress
Plants may become dormant in winter but can suffer from root damage if soil is waterlogged and frozen.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent frost heave; apply a layer of mulch for insulation; protect from harsh winter winds.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop in extreme heat; growth may slow or stop.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water after application; avoid late-season fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Geum reptans prefers lean soil.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGeum reptans 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 reptans 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 reptans 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: How do I propagate Geum reptans?
A: It can be propagated by division in early spring or by seed sowing in autumn.
Q: Does Geum reptans require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if kept moist.
Q: Is Geum reptans suitable for rock gardens?
A: Yes, it is well-suited for rock gardens due to its spreading habit and alpine origins.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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