Alpine avens Geum montanum
Alpine avens (Geum montanum) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Rosaceae family, native to Acid alpine meadows of the mountains of central and southern Europe. It grows 10–30 cm (4–12 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Alpine avens at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 10–30 cm (4–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Acid alpine meadows of the mountains of central and southern Europe |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇵🇱 Poland |
Is Alpine avens toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Alpine avens
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Questions about Alpine avens
- How far apart should I plant Alpine avens?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does Alpine avens need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Alpine avens need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Alpine avens?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Alpine avens flower?
- From about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Alpine avens poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Alpine avens?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Alpine Garden Society Encyclopaedia of Alpines and plant portraits, Alpine Garden Society, Pershore (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- A rock-garden plant: give it gritty, very free-draining soil, full light and a collar of gravel around the neck; winter wet kills it far more often than cold.
- Rosettes of hairy, lobed leaves with large golden cups in early summer, followed by feathery, silky seed heads. A plant of acid alpine turf above the tree line.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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