TL;DR
- The best geums for UK gardens offer long flowering, bright colour and easy care in sun or light shade.
- Geums flower from late spring and, with deadheading, can keep going until midsummer or beyond.
- Plant in moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, and avoid heavy, waterlogged ground in winter.
- Cut back faded flower stems and tidy the foliage in late summer for fresh growth.
- Divide established plants every few years to keep them vigorous and flowering well.
The best geums are cheerful, long-flowering perennials that bring warm colour to the front of a border from late spring.
Whether you want fiery oranges, sunny yellows or soft peaches, there is a geum to suit, and they are easy to grow in most UK gardens. Here is how to choose and grow them, based on our experience at Middleton Nurseries since 1975.
Quick Facts
| Common name | Avens |
| Group | Herbaceous perennial |
| Flowering | Late spring to midsummer, often longer |
| Height | 30cm to 60cm |
| Position | Full sun to light shade |
| Soil | Moisture-retentive but free-draining |
| Pruning | Deadhead; cut back after flowering |
| Wildlife | Bees and hoverflies |
Choosing the Best Geums
The best geums combine bold colour with a long flowering season. Look for compact, free-flowering varieties if you want front-of-border colour, and taller types for mixed planting. Browse the full geum range to compare them.
Fiery reds and oranges
Varieties such as Fiery Tempest, Scarlet Tempest, Blazing Sunset and Flames of Passion suit hot colour schemes.
Soft and sunny shades
Petticoats Peach, Pink Petticoats, Sunkissed Lime and Lady Stratheden bring gentler or sunnier tones, and mix well with blues and purples.
Classic and compact types
Mrs J. Bradshaw is a long-standing favourite, while the TEMPO series offers compact, colourful plants that suit pots.
How to Grow the Best Geums
Plant in spring or autumn in soil that holds some moisture, and add organic matter on light, sandy ground. Geums enjoy sun, but a little light shade in the afternoon suits them in hot, dry gardens.
Good winter drainage is important, because wet clay can cause crown rot. On heavy soil, add grit to the planting hole and avoid deep planting.
SpringPlant, feed lightly and enjoy the first flush.
SummerDeadhead for longer flowering and cut back tired foliage.
AutumnPlant or divide, and mulch around the crowns.
WinterKeep the crown free from standing water.
Planting Ideas for the Best Geums
Orange and red geums look striking with blue salvias, while yellow forms suit cottage planting and soft silvery foliage. Our salvias for cottage gardens guide has combinations that work well, and our salvia companion planting guide explains how to build a balanced border.
Keeping Geums Flowering
Remove faded stems regularly, and cut back foliage in late summer to encourage fresh growth. Divide plants every three or four years in spring or autumn to keep them vigorous.
Geum Care Through the Year for the Best Geums
Spring and early summer
Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertiliser, and mulch with compost to hold moisture. The first flush of flowers appears from late spring, and removing faded stems quickly encourages more buds.
Late summer and autumn
Cut back tired foliage after flowering and water in dry spells. Autumn is a good time to divide or plant new geums while the soil is still warm.
Common problems
Geums are generally trouble-free. Waterlogged winter soil is the main cause of loss, so improve drainage on heavy ground. Slugs may nibble young leaves in spring, and aphids occasionally cluster on buds.
Geums in Pots and Small Gardens
Compact varieties
Smaller geums suit containers well. Use a loam-based compost with some grit, and water regularly in summer.
Winter care in pots
Raise pots slightly and avoid waterlogging. Group them against a wall for shelter.
Geums and Wildlife
Geums are popular with bees and hoverflies, which feed on the open, easily accessed flowers from late spring. Because geums flower earlier than many perennials, they provide a useful source of food when little else is in bloom. Mixing them with hardy salvias and geraniums gives pollinators a continuous supply of nectar through the summer.
Looking for the best geums for your garden? Browse our UK-grown plants and choose colours to suit your border.
Shop Geums at Middleton NurseriesFrequently Asked Questions
What are the best geums for UK gardens?
The best geums are free-flowering and tough. Mrs J. Bradshaw, Lady Stratheden and the Tempest series are all popular choices.
When do geums flower?
Most flower from late spring to midsummer, and deadheading often extends the season.
Do geums like sun or shade?
Geums prefer full sun to light shade, in moisture-retentive soil that drains freely.
Are geums hardy?
Yes, they are hardy herbaceous perennials, though they dislike waterlogged soil in winter.
How do I make geums flower for longer?
Deadhead regularly, water in dry spells and cut back tired foliage in late summer.
How often should I divide geums?
Every three to four years, in spring or autumn, to keep plants strong. Doing this helps the best geums keep flowering well.
Do bees like geums?
Yes, the open flowers are popular with bees and hoverflies.
