by Dorothy Meyer

Created on: January 28, 2007   Last Updated: March 05, 2012

Geums are an old-time favorite, especially for cottage gardens, but are gaining in popularity elsewhere due to fabulous new varieties in "all the rage" hot colors. They are easy to grow in well-drained, organic rich soil. Plant in full-sun, although some Geums can tolerate some partial shade. Geums are deer-resistant and basically pest-free. Bloom time is usually late Spring to early Summer, with some varieties going on into Fall. Geums will bestow you with their buttercup-like blooms over and over with regular deadheading. In cold climates, like my beautiful Montana, Geums need a good layer of mulch for winter protection.

Most Geums are easily divided because they are clump-forming and generally quick growing. This can be very cost-effective when succumbing to the higher prices that the newest trend setters are commanding, especially when they look best planted in groups. After a year you should be able to dig a few small sections with healthy roots off of any variety; or this can be done by lifting the whole plant out of the ground with a garden fork, then separating into individual pieces to be planted. Either way you should be rewarded with lots of little Geums to be shared. Look for these tried and true forms and the up-and-comers who are sure to become hits below.

• Geum Lady Stratheden - One of my personal bests, with blooms in a cool shade of yellow as soft as a new baby chick, rising from Spring green fuzzy foliage. Grows to 24" and just as wide and can lighten up a partially shaded site with a touch of sunny yellow. Lady Stratheden' shines next to anything blue, like Goodness Grows' Veronica with its tall blue spikes or lay Laguna Sky Blue' Lobelia at her feet for a glorious pairing. The Zone is 5-7, but here in Montana it has been surviving and we are thankful for it.

• Geum Fireball - If some sizzle is what you desire then run out and get this baby! Fireball' has masses of semi-double apricot to orange blooms with ruffled edges of red that glams it up in the hot sun. About 26" by 24" and zoned for 5-7, but again, even us braving the cold have had success. Pair with purple flowers, like Salvias for contrast, or go for the gusto and give it a try with red Daylilies or Burgundy' Gaillardia. Newer to the market so be sure and ask for it.

• Geum triflorum - A native in some parts, like Montana, and is otherwise known as Prairie Smoke. This sweet thing has nodding pink blooms in early Spring that give way to feathery, smoky

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