Overview:
Geum ×macranthum (Kearney) Boivin is a flowering plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a hybrid of Geum coccineum and Geum rivale. The plant is native to North America and is also known by its common names, Large-flowered Avens, and Purple Avens.
Appearance:
Geum ×macranthum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 2 feet in height and spread up to 18 inches wide. Its leaves are simple, divided into three to five leaflets and toothed along the edges. The plant produces bright green foliage that forms a basal rosette.
The flowers of the Geum ×macranthum plant are purple or red-orange in color and can grow up to 2 inches wide. They bloom from late spring to mid-summer, and the plant produces a large number of flowers on long stems.
Uses:
The Geum ×macranthum is a popular plant among gardeners due to its colorful and showy flowers. It is often used in rock gardens and borders to add color and a unique look. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade, but it can tolerate full sun if it is provided with adequate water.
The plant is also known for its medicinal properties. The roots of the Geum ×macranthum plant contain tannins and other compounds that have been used to treat ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and inflammation.
In summary, Geum ×macranthum is a hybrid of Geum coccineum and Geum rivale. It is a showy plant that produces purple or red-orange flowers in late spring to mid-summer. It is used for ornamental and medicinal purposes and prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.Growth conditions for Geum ×macranthum (Kearney) Boivin
Light: Geum ×macranthum thrives in full to partial sunlight. It can tolerate some shade but a location with minimum of six hours of direct sunlight is preferred.
Temperature: This plant can withstand temperatures ranging from -30 to 30 °C (-22 to 86 °F). It prefers mild temperatures between 18ºC to 21ºC (65ºF to 70ºF), but it can tolerate temperatures as high as 32ºC (90ºF) and as low as -12ºC (10ºF).
Soil: Geum ×macranthum requires well-draining and moist soil. It can also grow in slightly alkaline or acidic soil with a pH range of 5.6 to 7.8. Amending the soil with organic matter like compost or peat moss helps to maintain moisture levels and improve soil structure. This plant also prefers a soil rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous.
Water: Geum ×macranthum thrives in moist soil, so frequent watering is required. Water the plant regularly, especially during long dry spells. However, be careful not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Geum ×macranthum benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium ratio monthly.
Propagation: Geum ×macranthum can be propagated by division or seed. Propagation by division is best done in early spring when new growth appears, while seed propagation is best done in fall.
Cultivation methods
Geum ×macranthum is best grown in a location that provides full sun to partial shade. This plant requires well-drained soil with a lot of organic matter. It prefers soil that is slightly acidic and does well in USDA Zones 5-8. Plant the Geum ×macranthum in early spring or fall, making sure the roots are well-watered before planting. A spacing of 9 to 12 inches between plants is recommended.
Watering Needs
The Geum ×macranthum plant requires moderate watering. It is essential to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. When watering, it is best to avoid getting water on the foliage, as this can promote fungal growth or attract pests to the plant. During periods of drought, ensure to water the plant deeply at the base to supplement any moisture shortages.
Fertilization
When planting the Geum ×macranthum, work in a slow-release 5-10-5 or 10-10-10 fertilizer to a depth of 6-8 inches at the plant's base, ensuring not to exceed the recommended dosage. Thereafter, apply a well-balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, once or twice a year, preferably during the plant's growth period. Avoid putting fertilizer directly on the foliage, as it could burn or damage it.
Pruning
The Geum ×macranthum plant has no particular pruning requirements. Cut back the plant's flowering stems after the blooms have finished to encourage repeat flowering. Remove any diseased, damaged, or dead leaves from the plant throughout the growing season, preferably using clean and sterilized pruning tools. To promote growth and keep the plant tidy, you can trim back half its height after the flowering stage.
Propagation of Geum ×macranthum (Kearney) Boivin
Geum ×macranthum (Kearney) Boivin, commonly known as Large-flowered avens, can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Geum ×macranthum can be sowed indoors or outdoors during early spring or in the fall. The seeds need to be sown on the surface of the soil and kept moist until they germinate. Germination usually occurs in about two to four weeks. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after the last frost date.
Propagation through cuttings
Geum ×macranthum can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the early summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem and take a cutting about 4-6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting in a container with moist potting soil and keep it in a bright but shaded area. Keep the soil moist and roots should develop in about four to six weeks.
Propagation through division
Large-flowered avens can also be propagated through division. The best time to divide the plant is during the early spring or fall. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root clumps into smaller sections using a garden fork or spade. Each section should have a healthy amount of roots and shoots. Replant the divisions in their permanent location and keep them well-watered.
Disease and Pest Management for Geum ×macranthum (Kearney) Boivin
Geum ×macranthum (Kearney) Boivin, also known as Large-flowered avens, is a beautiful perennial plant that is popularly known for its vibrant yellow and orange flowers. Although the plant is generally hardy and low-maintenance, it can still be affected by various diseases and pests, which can damage or kill the plant if left untreated. Therefore, it is necessary to know the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Some of the common diseases that might affect Geum ×macranthum are:
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The symptoms of powdery mildew include the appearance of white or gray powdery spots on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to maintain good air circulation by spacing the plants properly and avoiding overcrowding. Also, removing the affected leaves and stems and spraying the plant with a fungicide can effectively manage powdery mildew.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that causes circular spots on the plant's leaves. The spots may be brown, yellow, or black, with a yellow halo around them. To manage leaf spot, it is necessary to remove the affected leaves and avoid splashing water on the leaves while watering the plant. Spraying the plant with a fungicide can also help control leaf spot.
- Crown Rot: Crown rot is a fungal disease that causes the plant to wilt and die. The disease affects the base of the plant near the soil, causing the roots to rot. Overwatering and poor drainage are some of the critical factors that promote crown rot. To manage crown rot, it is necessary to avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage. If the plant is severely affected, it is advisable to remove the entire plant to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Some of the common pests that might affect Geum ×macranthum are:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves and stems. The symptoms of aphid infestation include the curling and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, it is necessary to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, releasing ladybugs in the garden can help control the population of aphids, as ladybugs are known to feed on them.
- Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails are common pests that feed on the plant's leaves and stems, leaving large holes in them. To manage slugs and snails, it is necessary to handpick them and remove them from the garden. Also, placing copper strips around the plant or using slug and snail baits can effectively manage them.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that live on the undersides of leaves, where they feed on the plant's sap. The symptoms of spider mite infestation include the appearance of yellow or white spots on the leaves, along with webbing. To manage spider mites, it is necessary to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Overall, to manage the diseases and pests that might affect Geum ×macranthum, it is necessary to maintain good plant hygiene, such as removing dead and diseased leaves from the plant and ensuring proper spacing and ventilation. Additionally, using organic methods and pesticides can help effectively manage pests while avoiding harm to the plant.
