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Geum spp. 'Cocktail Collection'
avens
Hybrid cultivar series of garden origin — the genus {Geum} is native to Europe, South America, and other temperate regions
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At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitMounding
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height14-20 inches (35-50 cm)
Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Maturity1 years
Overview
Geum spp. 'Cocktail Collection' is avens (cocktail avens), a mounding semi-evergreen perennial growing 14-20 inches (35-50 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Semi-double to double bowl-shaped to ruffled flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) in yellow, orange, apricot, coral, and red (depending on cultivar) on slender branching stems from May through September (18 weeks with deadheading). Bright green pinnately compound softly hairy leaves forming a basal rosette. In Rosaceae. The 'Cocktail Collection' is a series of named cultivars: 'Mai Tai' (apricot-peach), 'Cosmopolitan' (pink-coral), 'Alabama Slammer' (orange-red), 'Tequila Sunrise' (yellow-orange). The plants are short-lived — the crown declines and dies out after 3-4 years if not divided. This short lifespan requiring regular division every 2-3 years is the primary maintenance limitation. Crown rot in wet heavy winter soil. Not drought-tolerant — requires consistent moisture but good drainage. Deadhead regularly for continuous bloom. Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Hybrid cultivar series of garden origin. The genus Geum is native to Europe, South America, and other temperate regions.Suggested Uses
Grown in cottage gardens, mixed borders, and in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L), spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). Long bloom with warm colors. Requires deadheading and division. Short-lived without division. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'2" - 1'8"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Late spring through fall (May-September). Semi-double to double flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) in yellow, orange, apricot, coral, red on slender stems. 18 weeks with regular deadheading. Bee-visited.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow, orange, apricot, coral, and red depending on cultivar within the collection; semi-double to double, bowl-shaped to ruffled, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm), on slender branching stems above the foliageFoliage Description
Bright green, pinnately compound with a large terminal leaflet and smaller lateral leaflets, softly hairy, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm); forms a low basal rosette; semi-evergreen in mild climatesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-10 hours — afternoon shade in hot climates). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.0. Not drought-tolerant. Deadhead regularly for continuous bloom. Divide every 2-3 years (crown declines without division). Crown rot in wet winter soil. Cut dead foliage in fall or early spring. Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.Pruning
Deadhead spent flowers throughout the season. Cut all dead foliage to ground in late fall (October) or early spring. Divide crowns every 2-3 years in spring — discard woody center and replant vigorous outer divisions.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons