'Mrs Bradshaw' Geum (Avens) Plants

Geum 'Mrs Bradshaw'

Mrs Bradshaw is a little stunner of a perennial, brightening up borders and pots from June right through to September. The colour is full-on, unapologetically sunny.
From late spring to early summer, the long, wiry, branched stems, under 60cm tall, are topped joyfully with soft, papery double blooms of the richest red, about 5cm across. The foliage below the stems is deeply divided, hairy and rich green. 

Mrs Bradshaw is great to bring indoors, the long stems make it versatile in vases.

In the garden

These are easy flowers to grow on any soils except wet clay: it's not the clay itself, it's the drainage. Clay on top of a mound, ridge etc should be fine.

Full sun is best, but they can still flower quite well in light shade as long as they have good drainage.
Dig in some organic matter, such as well-rotted garden compost, before planting on poor or heavy soil, and they'll perform much better.

Water well in dry weather, keep deadheading all summer and it will flower into September and beyond.

To rejuvenate your plants, divide clumps every three or four years in Spring only when you see them looking sparse and less attractive.

Geums look perfect among other cottage-garden perennials, especially something with a bit of height. Flower spikes such as Salvia look great, or try wine-coloured heuchera or purple lavender: the violet and yellow contrast is a winner. For a lighter touch to your planting design, run it through clumps of airy grasses.

They are great in containers, provided you remember to water. The advice on planting companions remains the same: blues and purples always work well with gold, or rely on grasses for an arrangement full of movement.

Features

• Colour: red
• Flowering: May-September
• Foliage: semi-evergreen
• Height: 50cm
• Spread: 50cm
• Spacing: 50cm
• Position: sun or part shade
• Soil: any except damp heavy clay
• RHS Award of Garden Merit

Dig in some garden compost or leaf mould when planting, in sun or light shade, in borders or pots. Space around 50-60cm apart and water in well. Keep watered until established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Water well in dry summers. Lift and divide plants in spring every few years.