Geum triflorum

Geum triflorum, known as Avens, is a perennial that forms a thick carpet of leaves topped with a multitude of graceful reddish-pink flowers, grouped in 3, hence its name 'Triflorum'.

This very cold-hardy perennial has short rhizomes and a rosette of evergreen leaves, divided into dentate leaflets, covered with a light green fuzz. In May, hairy, upright, purple stems, 50cm (20in) tall, bear partially open bracts and reddish-pink flowers grouped in threes. They are followed by plumose, pink tufts. Its flowering period lasts about 2 months.

Named Prairie Smoke in English, Geum triflorum is not afraid of sunlight or lack of water in summer, but it dislikes heavy, waterlogged soils, especially in winter. It grows everywhere, even in poor soil, rocky or sandy. Young plants should be regularly watered in summer. It does not tolerate competition from trees or shrubs.

Very floriferous, Geum triflorum is perfect for bordering flower beds or rockeries when combined with heucheras.