Description
Geum rivale, known as water avens, is a UK native wild flower of streamsides, damp meadows and wet woodland. From May to July it carries nodding, bell-shaped flowers in dusky pink to pale orange, held in dark red-purple sepals above rosettes of lobed leaves. Seed heads like small raspberries follow.
Water avens at a glance
| Botanical name |
Geum rivale |
| Common name |
Water avens |
| Plant type |
Rosette-forming perennial; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread |
Up to 50–60 cm tall, about 50 cm wide |
| Flowers |
Nodding bells, dusky pink to pale orange with dark red-purple sepals, May to July |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade |
| Soil |
Moist or wet, slow-draining soil |
| Pond depth |
None – damp soil, not water |
| Hardiness |
RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C) |
| Native to |
UK (native wild flower) |
Is water avens a pond plant?
It is a bog and moist-soil plant, not a water plant. Plant it in damp soil beside a pond, in a bog garden or in a damp meadow, but not under water.
Is it good for wildlife?
Yes. It is on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, and its pollen and nectar benefit bees, butterflies and hoverflies. It has declined in parts of England and Wales.
How to plant and care for it
Plant in moist soil in sun or part shade. Watch for geum sawfly, leaf miners and powdery mildew.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
