YardMate
Scarlet Avens
Geum coccineum
Easy · Beginner friendlyAbout Scarlet Avens
Scarlet Avens is a clump-forming perennial native to mountain meadows of southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, celebrated for its cheerful bright scarlet-orange flowers held on wiry stems above basal rosettes of fresh green lobed leaves. Growing 12-24 inches tall, it blooms vigorously in late spring and early summer with sporadic rebloom into fall. A vibrant addition to American cottage borders and cutting gardens in USDA zones 5-8.
- Cut-flower
- Deer-resistant
- Cold-hardy
- Pollinator-friendly
How to care for Scarlet Avens
Watering
- Springevery 5 days
- Summerevery 4 days
- Fallevery 7 days
- Winterpause watering
Soil · Well-draining
- Top dressingPine bark mulch10%
- Main mixPotting soil + perlite 2:170%
- DrainageLECA / gravel20%
Never skip the drainage layer — standing water is the top cause of root rot.
FERTILIZER
Balanced Feed 14-14-14
An even feed covers all three needs at once, keeping leaves, roots and blooms moving together with nothing pushed out of balance.
- Nitrogen · Leaves
- Phosphorus · Roots + Blooms
- Potassium · Strength
- Springevery 30 days
- Summerevery 30 days
At a Glance
- NativeEurope
- Height1–2 ft (0.3–0.6 m)
- Spread1–1.5 ft (0.3–0.5 m)
- Flower colorOrange, Red
- Foliage colorGreen
- SoilLoamy, Moisture-retentive, Well-drained
- LocationsYard
Bloom time
BLOOM CYCLE
Peak bloom
May–Jul
Scarlet-orange flowers May to July
Toxicity
No toxicity has been reported for this plant. Still, it is wise to keep pets from chewing on any houseplant.
Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
DISTRIBUTION
- Native
- Introduced
- Europe
History
Geum coccineum is native to montane meadows in the Balkan Peninsula and northern Greece. English botanist John Sibthorp collected specimens during his 1780s expeditions documenting classical Greek flora for the Flora Graeca. James Edward Smith formally described the species in 1797.
The cultivar 'Borisii', honoring King Boris III of Bulgaria (r. 1918-1943), became the standard garden form—though it is now generally accepted to actually be a hybrid with G. bulgaricum rather than pure G. coccineum. Nevertheless it entered wide cultivation through 20th-century European nurseries for its vivid tangerine-orange flowers on wiry stems.
Modern breeding has produced 'Mrs. Bradshaw', 'Lady Stratheden', and later the Cooky series. The plant pairs well with hot-colored perennial borders. Native from the Balkans through Asia Minor and the Caucasus. Introduced to British gardens in the 18th century. The cultivar 'Borisii' (sometimes listed as a separate species) is exceptionally vigorous and widely grown in American perennial gardens. The hybrid 'Totally Tangerine' has become a modern favorite.
Symbolism & meaning
What It Symbolizes
Scarlet Avens is cheerfulness in flame-orange — its bright cupped blooms hover above neat rosettes like small lanterns lit for the early-summer garden. It offers vitality through a long flowering season, an energetic display that bridges spring and high summer. It is the perennial equivalent of a friend who makes every room it enters feel a little warmer.
- Cheerfulness — bright flame-colored blooms
- Vitality — energetic display through summer
Where the Name Comes From
'Coccineum' means 'scarlet' in Latin.
Uses & Fun Facts
- Wiry stems of scarlet flowers brighten spring arrangements
- Cheerful orange blooms feed early bees and butterflies
- Cold-hardy mountain perennial for cottage and rock borders
Related plants
More Geum plants
Plants with similar care
Chinese AbeliaAbelia chinensis
Fragrant AbeliaAbelia mosanensis
Large-Flowered AbeliaAbelia uniflora
Glossy AbeliaAbelia x grandiflora
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Scarlet Avens?
Water about every 5 days during the growing season, and always let excess water drain away.
How much light does Scarlet Avens need?
Full sun: 6+ hrs direct. Watch the leaves — scorching or stretching means the light needs adjusting.
Is Scarlet Avens toxic to cats or dogs?
No toxicity has been reported for this plant. Still, it is wise to keep pets from chewing on any houseplant. Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
Is Scarlet Avens easy to grow?
Yes — it is considered an easy, beginner-friendly plant.
When does Scarlet Avens bloom?
It typically blooms May–Jul in the Northern Hemisphere.
YardMate
Identify any plant in seconds
Snap a photo — YardMate names the plant, diagnoses problems, and reminds you when to water.
Download on the App Store