Ee by Geum

Geum trials are coming to Yorkshire and with Spring just around the corner we at RHS Garden Harlow Carr are getting excited about planting out around 130 different varieties of Geum as part of a trial to identify which will perform best under certain conditions.

The little known Geum, or Avens as they are more commonly known, have become increasingly popular garden plants and have featured at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for almost 10 years now with great success. They are hardy perennials with evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage which give good ground cover all year round. A member of the rose family, Rosaceae, the flowers appear in the form of singles or doubles and range in colour from white and yellow to orange, pink and red.

Geum make a wonderful addition to an herbaceous or mixed border, with their bright flowers and low foliage, either on their own or interspersed with other small annuals and perennials for that cottage garden look. They work well in containers, but vine weevil will need to be controlled. They make excellent cut flowers and deadheading will prolong the bloom period. Geum are short-lived perennials so require division every 3 to 4 years in autumn or spring to renew the patch, otherwise they will naturally decline and disappear – this is absolutely essential with the Chiloense varieties. When planting, incorporate some organic matter into the soil to give it the body and fertility that Geum require.

The key to growing Geum is being aware of the ideal conditions that each species needs to thrive. Geum rivale (cv Leonard’s Variety) respond well in fertile, moisture retentive soil in shady areas; Geum coccineum (cv Totally Tangerine) like alpine conditions with partial shade but direct sun will scorch them and Geum chiloense (cv Red Dragon) enjoy free draining soils and full sunshine provided that the soil doesn’t dry out.

The trial area is part of the old Winter Garden below the Kitchen Garden and was chosen because it offers both full sun and shady areas on its lower boundary ensuring that all 130 varieties have the correct planting conditions.

In recent years it has become noticeable that some of the older varieties, Mrs J. Bradshaw and Lady Stratheden for example, appear to have lost some of their vigour and have been superceded by newer introductions. The objectives of our trial are to establish which

varieties have the longest flowering times, are distinct from any others, are disease free and show strength and vigour.

This will be done by assessing the trial area over 3 years after this initial establishment year. Records will be kept of flowering dates and ultimate height of the plant and photographs of each variety and the trial as a whole will be taken. The trial is not just a way of identifying which varieties perform best but also to heighten public appreciation for this useful garden flower. A committee of experts made up of nurserymen, well-known horticulturists and specialist growers will judge each variety on several criteria including attractive growth habit, attractive flowers, length of flowering, resistance to weather and pest and disease resistance. When these results have been ratified by the relevant plant committee the varieties can be accredited our seal of approval that the plant performs reliably in the garden; the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

We are hopeful that planting will get under way within the next 2-3 weeks, depending on the weather, so do come in and check on our progress or get some spring planting ideas.

With thanks to Kevin Fowler, Horticulturist at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Jobs for the Week

* Prune and manure roses

* Last chance to plant bare root roses/hedging

* Trim winter flowering heathers to prevent them becoming leggy

* Keep an eye out for slugs as the weather warms

* Prepare vegetable seed beds by removing weeds and forking in plenty of compost

* Begin chitting (sprouting) seed potatoes

* Dig in green manures

* Recut lawn edges if necessary

* New turf can be laid if the ground is not frozen or waterlogged

* If seeding a new lawn, prepare the soil now to allow time to settle before sowing

DIARY DATES

RHS Advisory Service Get face-to-face gardening advice from an RHS advisor from 11am – 3pm on the first Saturday of the month and every Monday from 1pm – 3pm. Come to our desk in the entrance conservatory with your questions. Normal garden admission applies.

1 – 28 March: Bath House Gallery – Wool & Textiles Showcase Pop along to the historic Bath House at RHS Garden Harlow Carr for the cosiest event of the year! Discover work by talented local wool and textile artists, from wonderful things to wear to gorgeous gifts for your home. Embroidery, felt and leather work will all be on display. Normal garden admission applies.

21 March: RHS Free Tuesday

Visitors have the chance to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the RHS’s inspirational four gardens in spring - for free! Events at RHS Garden Harlow Carr are FREE with the normal garden entrance fee, except where stated.