Geum coccineum Karlskaer

Geum coccineum 'Karlskaer' is an herbaceous perennial native to the Balkan Peninsula and belongs to the Rosaceae family. The 'Karlskaer' cultivar forms a clump and has upright, semi-evergreen, dark green, irregular and finely velvety basal leaves, measuring 10cm (4in) long. From May to July, it displays delicate, cup-shaped flowers, 2 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, on slender, branching stems above the foliage. The flowers are a beautiful orange-yellow colour, with darker orange shades in the centre. They are enhanced by a large heart of prominent yellow stamens. This variety reaches about 30cm (12in) 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 in order to keep it in the garden for a long time.

Hardy and very floriferous, it is an easy, accommodating plant for any garden. It appreciates sunny or semi-shaded situations and grows in ordinary, moist but well-drained soil. To fully enjoy its magnificent flowering, plant 'Karlskaer' at the edge of borders, flower beds, mixed borders, in rockeries or even in pots. Its floral spikes will make beautiful bouquets. It is important to leave enough clearance around its base as the plant needs space to grow. It will blend beautifully with other spring and summer flowering perennials. In partial shade, it will go well with pasqueflowers, lady's mantles, spurges, and grasses. You can create sublime scenes with vibrant colours by mixing several varieties of avens together. In full sun, it will perfectly complement daylilies, coneflowers, scabious, shrubby wallflowers, and hardy geraniums.