Geum ssp. 'Cocktail Collection', avens
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Perennials

Geum ssp. 'Cocktail Collection'

avens

RosaceaeEurope, South America

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitMounding
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height14–20 inches (35–50 cm)
Width12–18 inches (30–45 cm)
Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Geum 'Cocktail Collection' is a group of hybrid avens cultivars in the family Rosaceae, bred for upward-facing, long-blooming flowers in a warm spectrum of colors including yellow, orange, apricot, coral, and red. The Cocktail Collection comprises several named cultivars — including 'Limoncello', 'Sea Breeze', 'Tequila Sunrise', and others — united by their improved vigor, extended blooming season, and more open, forward-facing flowers compared to older nodding-flowered Geum hybrids. Plants form semi-evergreen rosettes of pinnately compound, hairy, bright green leaves with a large terminal leaflet, from which wiry branching stems 14–20 inches (35–50 cm) tall arise bearing successive flushes of five-petaled flowers from late spring through early autumn with deadheading. The genus Geum comprises approximately 50 species distributed across temperate regions worldwide, and modern hybrid cultivars are primarily derived from Geum coccineum, G. quellyon, and G. rivale. Avens are one of the most popular and versatile perennials for Pacific Northwest sunny to lightly shaded borders.

Native Range

Not native; hybrid cultivars of horticultural origin. The parent species include Geum coccineum (native to Turkey and the Balkans), Geum quellyon (native to Chile), and Geum rivale (native across Europe and North America). The cultivated hybrids have no independent native range.

Suggested Uses

'Cocktail Collection' avens is an excellent choice for sunny to lightly shaded mixed borders in Pacific Northwest gardens, providing vivid warm-colored flowers from late spring through summer. The long bloom season and compact habit make it effective in the middle of the border, in containers, and in cottage-style plantings. Pairs well with Salvia, Allium, Geranium, and ornamental grasses. The warm orange, coral, and yellow tones combine effectively with blue and purple companions including Nepeta and Geranium 'Rozanne'. Good cut flower.

How to Identify

Avens are identified by their semi-evergreen basal rosettes of pinnately compound, softly hairy green leaves with a conspicuously large terminal leaflet and several smaller lateral leaflets with toothed margins. Wiry, branching stems carry five-petaled flowers 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across on long thin pedicels above the foliage. 'Cocktail Collection' flowers are notably forward-facing and held upright, in warm colors from yellow through orange and coral to red. The combination of compound hairy leaves, wiry branching stems, and upward-facing five-petaled flowers is characteristic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'2" - 1'8"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
orange
red
pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~18 weeks
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SpringSummerFall
'Cocktail Collection' avens blooms from late spring through early autumn, typically May through September in Pacific Northwest gardens, with the heaviest display in May and June. With regular deadheading, successive flower flushes continue through summer into early autumn, though flowering slows in the hottest summer months. Each stem bears multiple buds opening sequentially over several weeks. Dividing overcrowded clumps every two to three years maintains vigor and flowering quality.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow, orange, apricot, coral, and red depending on cultivar

Foliage Description

Bright green, pinnately compound, softly hairy

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandclay
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1–2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant avens in full sun to light partial shade in well-drained, average to moderately fertile soil. Good drainage is important — Geum dislikes waterlogged conditions, especially in winter, which can cause crown rot. In the Pacific Northwest, site in a position with good air circulation and afternoon sun. Water regularly during the growing season but do not allow soil to remain saturated. Deadhead spent blooms consistently to encourage reblooming. Divide clumps every two to three years in spring or autumn as centers become congested and flowering declines. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost top-dressing in early spring to support the long blooming season.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the blooming season by cutting individual stems back to a lateral bud or to the basal foliage to encourage continuous bloom. In late autumn, cut back the entire plant to the basal rosette, removing spent stems and any winter-damaged foliage. Divide overcrowded clumps in early spring or autumn every two to three years, discarding dead centers and replanting vigorous outer rosette sections at the original depth.

Pruning Schedule

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summerfall

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic