Botanical name:

Geum uniflorum

Common name(s):

Alpine avens

About:

A very appealing species, it forms low rosettes of deep green oval leaves that have charmingly toothed margins. The striking white flowers, featuring prominent dark red stamens, appear in the warmth of summer, measuring up to 2.5 cm wide and borne on slender stems that can reach about 15 cm tall. This plant is typically found in the alpine regions of the South Island, where it thrives in shady banks and moist areas. When placed in a rock garden, it requires a shady location with well-drained, moist soil, and it should also have overhead protection from rain during the winter months to ensure its health and longevity.

Natural habitat: 

Subalpine to alpine up to 1800m. In herb-fields, on rock ledges, and in moist tussock grassland

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South and Stewart Islands

Height: 15cm

Flowering:  

November – February with a white coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

December – March

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Containers.

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