Geums (also known as Avens) provide colour throughout the summer. Some even having a second flourish in the autumn. Most Geums prefer a little shade, and too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Make sure that the soil is moisture retentive, but not sodden. They are frost tolerant and loved by bees and as they spread by rhizomes they can easily be dug up and divided in the spring. They come in different colours from pale peach and pink through to dark reds and bright oranges. The taller ones look lovely floating among grasses.

Geum ‘Karlskaer’ has vibrant orange flowers from May through to August with evergreen foliage. It enjoys full sun or partial shade and  fertile, moist soil, including all types of clay. Because of its height this is best at the front of a border, though not in full sun. Height: 30cm Spread: 50cm

Geum ‘Red Wings’ has rich red semi-double flowers in early summer and again in late summer. It prefers a fertile, free-draining soil in a sunny position. The flowers bob and weave above the crinkly foliage and look good planted next to tall grasses. Height: 45cm Spread: 60cm

Geum ‘Emory Quinn’ / Geum Abendsonne is a compact variety with golden-yellow flowers which can be single or semi-double from May to September. Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade at the front of a border. Height: 35cm Spread: 50cm

 Geum ‘Bell Bank’ has large semi double pink flowers formed in summer. Clump forming, this flowers in full sun or partial shade between April to October. Deadhead after flowering to encourage another flush. Height: 45cm Spread: 60cm

I have recently purchased ‘Totally Tangerine’ which is another tall one and hopefully next year I shall have flowers floating through the grasses along with ‘Red Wings’.