Is Scarlet avens hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Scarlet avens flower?

Flowering: May–August, orange, red.

How much water does Scarlet avens need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Scarlet avens

Geum coccineum

Scarlet avens (Geum coccineum) is a perennial. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €5.

Illustration of Scarlet avens — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low, rosette-forming perennial that carries bright orange-red flowers on wiry stems from late spring to midsummer; nurseries mostly sell the orange 'Borisii' and similar forms. Plant it at the front of a border in moist, fertile soil, with afternoon shade where summers are hot, because it copes poorly with heat and drying out. Deadheading brings more flowers, and the clumps need dividing every few years or the plant is short-lived.

Watch out for

No serious pests or diseases. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe it suffers in full sun and dry soil: water it and give it afternoon shade. It can die in soil that stays wet in winter. It is short-lived on heavy clay and in hot spots, so divide the clumps in spring every two or three years.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 40 cm × 30 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–August, orange, red

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	40 cm × 30 cm
Ultimate size	25–45 cm × 25–30 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	May–August, orange, red
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €5

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €5

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Perennials for pollinators