The avens (Geum) is represented in German natural landscapes by wild occurrences of avens (Geum urbanum) and brook avens (Geum rivale). With a settlement of avens in the garden, it can certainly lead to a strong spread through self-seeding.

The real avens is often found in our forests

The best location for the avens

Partially shaded garden areas are ideal for planting avens, where the plants receive enough sunlight and warmth, but at the same time do not dry out so easily. Similar to the also very floriferous splendor, the avens does not tolerate excessive waterlogging, but regular watering can also be used to prevent the roots of the avens from drying out completely.

A hardy perennial with a preference for lime-poor soils

Just as most varieties of ice plant are hardy in this country, the avens, even in cool locations, is actually only occasionally damaged in the event of a frost. The loose and humus-rich plant substrate can be covered with a little peat to protect the avens from drying out and at the same time to ensure a rather acidic and lime-poor environment.

Regularly rejuvenate the avens

After about 4 to 5 years in the same location, you should rejuvenate the avens if necessary, in order to realize the following aspects through division:

  • the uncomplicated propagation of the plants
  • ensuring vitality and abundance of flowers
  • loosening and improving the soil

In spring or autumn, carefully dig up the plant and remove all woody parts. Then only replant the softer parts of the plant. If you plant the avens again at the old location, you should take this opportunity to loosen the soil deeply and work in some deposited compost and a portion of peat soil (for a slightly acidic environment) as a long-term fertilizer.

The clove root as a remedy and spice

The name clove root probably goes back to the fact that the roots of this plant are very similar in smell and taste to cloves. In contrast to other delicately flowering perennial plants such as Solomon's Seal with its potential for poisoning, which should not be underestimated, the clove root is traditionally cultivated as a natural remedy and culinary herb. The common avens usually blooms from around June to August and was formerly used as a tanning agent and to flavor beer and wine.

tips

There are many different subspecies of the avens with different growth heights and flower colors. Mixtures of small groups of plants of different species of avens are particularly attractive in the herbaceous border.

Category:

Herbs