Geum (Geum Chiloense Mrs. Bradshaw) - Sweet little orange-red flowers that are absolutely lovely! Geum are members of the rose family, yet the blooms are small, about 1 inch in width, and they are born on long, strong stems. They make a great cut flower. Geum Chiloense Mrs Bradshaw establishes readily from flower seed and becomes a hardy plant that is perfect for borders or along walkways. Geum flowers heavily in May and June, and will keep on flowering until late summer if the plant is deadheaded. Geums are clump forming and divide easily after the first year. In the colder climates, you might need to mulch the plant during the winter. Geum Chiloense is also commonly known as Avens.

Sow Geum seeds indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the last frost. Use sterile potting mix and trays. Gently press the Geum flower seeds into the surface of the soil and barely cover with soil. Keep the flower seed constantly moist until germination. At the time of transplanting, cut back the seedling to encourage a more compact growth. Plant in well-drained, fairly fertile soil. Can take up to two years to start flowering heavily.

Geum (Geum Chiloense Lady Stratheden) - Grow these little treasures from Geum seeds! Geum Lady Stratheden is a garden perennial with semi-double bright yellow flowers. It will typically bloom in mid to late spring and last until late summer. If you want even longer lasting blooms, you may deadhead and get it to bloom again in the fall. The flowers, 1 inch wide, rise high above the basal leaves on slender stems eighteen inches to two feet and they make very good cut flowers. Very pretty and bright even with partial shade.

The basal leaves form a thick clump that grows up to eighteen inches wide. Geum likes full sun to partial shade in organically rich, moderately well-watered, sharply draining soil. If the Geum plant becomes too large, you can divide it and transplant in to new area to have even more of this wonderful flower.

Geum Chiloense is ideal for zones 7 and for zone 8 if it gets some protection at the very height of summer. Though it is apt to be much more short-lived in areas with very hot summers or very cold winters, it is not unreasonable to give it a try down to Zone 5 if you are willing to be a little risky.

Sow Geum seeds indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the last frost. Use sterile potting mix and trays. Gently press the Geum flower seeds into the surface of the soil and barely cover with soil. Keep the flower seed constantly moist until germination. At the time of transplanting, cut back the seedling to encourage a more compact growth. Plant in well-drained, fairly fertile soil. Can take up to two years to start flowering heavily.