Geum coccineum Cocktail Gimlet

Geum 'Gimlet is a recent addition to the 'Cocktail' series, developed for its semi-double, diaphanous flowers with very fresh colours on strong and floriferous plants from spring to summer. The crimped flower of 'Gimlet' is a subtle gradient of yellow, blending cream-white with butter-yellow, with the outside of the corolla darkened with a more amber yellow. It seems to float among its twin sisters, above a velvety tuft of vibrant green foliage. Simple and robust, avens used to be found in every flower garden. They are once again making their way into our flower beds and patios. Plant them in the sun, in moist, well-drained and fertile soil.

Geum are hardy herbaceous perennials from the Rosaceae family. They are native to temperate or colder regions of the northern and southern hemispheres. Geum 'Gimlet' is a recent horticultural hybrid. This perennial plant forms a clump of finely velvety basal foliage composed of upright, semi-evergreen, bright green, rounded and lobed leaves, measuring 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) long. From May to September, thin, ramified stems, gently rise above the foliage, bearing up to 10 flowers in cymes. Each flower measures 4cm (2in) in diameter and is slightly translucent, animated with visible veins, and enhanced by a large heart of prominent yellow stamens. This rather tall variety measures 50cm (20in) in height and about 40cm (16in) in width. Like many perennials with long flowering periods, this avens does not have a very long lifespan, so it is recommended to divide it every three years to keep it in the garden for longer.

Hardy and very floriferous, it is an easy, accommodating plant. It appreciates sunny or partially shaded situations and grows in ordinary, moist but well-drained soil. To fully enjoy its magnificent flowering, plant 'Cocktail Gimlet' at the edge of flower beds, borders, mixed borders, in rockeries or even in pots. Its floral spikes will make magnificent bouquets. It requires some space to grow well, so make sure to leave room around its base. It will blend beautifully with other spring or summer flowering perennials. Its pastel colouring goes well with the blue of delphiniums and veronicas. You can create sublime scenes with vibrant colours by mixing several varieties of avens together. In the sun, it will perfectly complement daylilies, rudbeckias, scabious, bush carnations, and perennial geraniums.