Flower Focus: Avens (Geum)

When I started growing cut flowers no perennial plant in my garden was safe from my shears. I took cuttings from all of my flowering perennials to see which had good vase life. My Geum stems lasted 5-7 days in fresh water with no preservative. They were a great addition to my spring bouquets, adding bounce, movement and whimsy. For the longest lasting cut flowers, pick when the blooms are half open. Geum will bloom from May through July, and if you cut or deadhead, they will reward you with a second flush of blooms in early fall.