Geum Banana Daiquiri

Geum 'Banana Daiquiri' is a particularly bright variety, which revisits these plants that have somewhat fallen into oblivion. From May to July, it bears delicate semi-double flowers in a light lemon-yellow colour, with a large heart of yellow stamens. This bushy perennial is hardy and carefree. It will brighten up flower beds with its bouquet of semi-evergreen light-green foliage. Simple and sturdy, avens are once again finding their way back into our gardens. Plant in sunny, well-drained and fertile soil.

Geums are herbaceous perennials from the Rosaceae family, native to temperate or colder regions of the northern and southern hemispheres. They are very hardy. Crossed with each other, they have given rise to numerous hybrids like 'Banana Daiquiri', which recently appeared in the United States. These avens form clumps and have upright, semi-evergreen, light-green, irregular, and finely velvety basal leaves, measuring 10cm (4in) long. From May to July, it bears clusters carrying two to four cup-shaped flowers, 2 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter. They are slightly translucent lemon-yellow, animated by visible veins, and enhanced by a large heart of prominent yellow stamens. The flowering clusters are borne on thin, gracefully upright, branched stems above the foliage. This variety measures about 40cm (16in) in all directions. Like many long-flowering perennials, it is not very long-lived, so it is advisable to divide it every two to three years to keep it in the garden for a long time.

Hardy and very floriferous, it is an easy, accommodating plant. Plant it in the garden and rediscover its simplicity and solidity. It appreciates sunny or semi-shaded situations, and grows in ordinary, moist but well-drained soil. To fully enjoy its magnificent flowering, place 'Banana Daiquiri' at the edge of flower beds, mixed borders, in rockeries or even in containers. Its flower stalks will make beautiful bouquets. It requires space to develop so leave enough clearance around its base. It will blend wonderfully with other spring and summer-flowering perennials. In partial shade, it will go well with pasqueflower, lady's mantle, spurge, and grasses. Sublime colour harmonies can be created by mixing several varieties of avens together. In full sun, it will perfectly complement daylilies, black-eyed Susans, scabious, shrubby wallflowers, and hardy geraniums.