Botanical name:

Geum cockaynei 

Common name(s):

Cockayne’s geum

About:

This is one of the most common species found in subalpine and alpine areas throughout the regions extending from Mt Hikurangi in the north all the way southward. During its flowering period, it proudly reaches a height of approximately 30 cm and forms attractive rosettes of bright green leaves that are characterised by their distinctly toothed margins. The single white flowers, which can measure up to 1.5 cm wide, tend to appear elegantly in the summer months. This species is particularly suitable for planting in a shady site within a rock garden, where it can thrive beautifully.

Natural habitat: 

Montane to subalpine grassland and herb-field. Damp tussock grassland and herb-field, rocky sites, stream banks

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Wetland, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and South Islands from the Raukumara Ranges south.

Height: 30cm

Flowering:  

December – March with a white coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

December – April

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Easily grown in pots in an alpine house, and in cooler climates within a rock garden. Best grown from fresh seed.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though