Geum chiloense Sigiswang

The 'Sigiswang' avens is a variety of Geum chiloense, with medium size and single ruffled flowers in an intense mandarin orange colour. Like other cultivars, the cup-shaped flowers are carried by long, slender, and branched stems, well above a compact tuft of semi-evergreen leaves, beautifully lobed and velvety to the touch. The flowering period extends from June to August. This charming and lightweight perennial is excellent for borders or flower beds. Easy to grow and hardy, it thrives in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained and moist soil, even if it's chalky.

Geum chiloense is a Chilean herbaceous perennial, native to Chiloé Island and belonging to the rose family. 'Sigiswang' is a hybrid that forms a basal rosette of deep green, pinnate and slightly velvety leaves, measuring 20cm (8in) long. This avens bears terminal panicles of cup-shaped, globular flowers on thin, branched stems, rising above the foliage, enhanced by a large golden yellow stamen heart. With an open bushy habit, this cultivar reaches 50cm (20in) in height and spreads to 40cm (16in). Like many perennials with a long flowering period, this avens is not very long-lived, so it is recommended to divide it every two to three years to keep it in the garden for a long time.

Hardy and very floriferous, avens is an easy plant that is very accommodating, and can be grown in sunny or partially shaded areas, in ordinary soil that is moist but well-drained. To fully enjoy its magnificent flowering, this splendid variety, 'Sigiswang', will ideally be placed at the edge of flower beds, mixed borders, rockeries, or even in pots. Its flower stems will make beautiful bouquets. As it requires some space to grow well, it is important to leave enough room around its base. It will blend beautifully with other perennials with blue or violet flowers that bloom in spring and summer. Consider pairing it with taller and more rigid silhouettes such as ornamental garlic. Copper and bronze Irises, as well as the silver foliage of Artemisias, for example, will enhance the depth of its orange colour. In partial shade, it will go well with ferns, lady's mantle, spurge, and grasses. By mixing several varieties of avens together, sublime colour harmonies can be created! In full sun, it pairs perfectly with Dahlias, Penstemons, Lobelias, shrubby wallflowers, and perennial geraniums.