Geum coccineum Cocktail Wet Kiss

Geum coccineum 'Wet Kiss' is a recent creation from the lovely 'Cocktail' series, developed for its semi-double, diaphanous flowers with fresh colours on sturdy and floriferous plants from spring to summer. The crepe-like semi-double to single flower of 'Wet Kiss' gradually changes from pink-red to orange-pink and then to pale orange, with the outer corolla retaining a more carmine hue, in a magnificent gradient of colours. It seems to float, among its twin sisters, above a velvety tuft of bright green foliage. Geum used to be found in all flower gardens. 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 'Wet Kiss' is a recent horticultural hybrid. This perennial plant forms a basal tuft of upright, semi-evergreen, bright green, rounded and lobed, finely velvety leaves, measuring 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) long. In May-June, the plant will produce up to 100 flowers for 3 to 4 weeks. They bloom in cymes, on slender, branching, Bordeaux red stems, loosely erect above the foliage. Each flower measures about 3cm (1in) in diameter and consists of slightly translucent petals, animated with visible veins, surrounding a large heart of prominent yellow stamens. This variety reaches about 45cm (18in) in height when flowering, with a width of about 40cm (16in). Like many long-flowering perennials, this avens is not very long-lived, so it is advisable 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 'Wet Kiss' on the edges of flower beds, mixed borders, rockeries, or even in pots. Its flower spikes will make beautiful 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, perennial flax, and speedwells. You can create sublime scenes with vibrant colours by mixing several varieties of avens together. In the sun, it will perfectly complement daylilies, rudbeckias, scabiosa, bush carnations, and perennial geraniums.