Geum chiloense 'Mrs Bradshaw' – Planting & Care Guide

About Geum chiloense 'Mrs Bradshaw'

Geum chiloense 'Mrs Bradshaw', commonly known as Avens, is a classic herbaceous perennial admired for its vibrant scarlet-red, semi-double flowers and exceptionally long flowering season. Blooming from late spring through to mid-summer, and often producing additional flowers into early autumn with regular deadheading, it adds bold colour and movement to borders.

Growing to approximately 50–70cm tall with a spread of 40–50cm, 'Mrs Bradshaw' forms neat clumps of softly hairy, rich green foliage. Strong upright stems hold the brilliant flowers above the leaves, creating a striking display that attracts bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinating insects. It is also an excellent cut flower, bringing vibrant colour indoors.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun or partial shade.
• In warmer locations, light afternoon shade helps prolong flowering.
• Prefers fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.
• Suitable for loam, clay and sandy soils with good drainage.
• Improve poor soils with compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently loosen the roots.
• Position the crown level with the surrounding soil surface.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a 5–8cm layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the crown.
• Space plants approximately 40–50cm apart to allow for mature growth.

Care & Maintenance

Geum 'Mrs Bradshaw' is a reliable, easy-care perennial that performs well with minimal attention.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during dry spells.
• Once established, water during prolonged periods of drought.
• Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Refresh mulch annually to retain moisture and improve soil fertility.
• Remove weeds regularly while plants establish.
• Deadhead faded flowers frequently to encourage repeat blooming.
• Water container-grown plants more often during warm weather.
• Divide mature clumps every 3–4 years to maintain healthy, vigorous growth.

Pruning

Regular pruning encourages prolonged flowering and keeps plants tidy.

• Remove spent flowers throughout the flowering season.
• Cut flower stems back to the base after flowering.
• Remove damaged or yellowing foliage as required.
• Cut the entire plant back after the final flush of flowers to encourage fresh foliage.
• Remove old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Geum chiloense 'Mrs Bradshaw'
• Common Name: Avens
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature Height: 50–70cm
• Spread: 40–50cm
• Flower Colour: Scarlet-red
• Flowering Period: May to July, with repeat flowering into early autumn
• Foliage: Fresh green, softly hairy leaves
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout Ireland and the UK

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Geum 'Mrs Bradshaw' is perfect for adding vibrant colour to a wide range of planting schemes.

• Cottage gardens
• Mixed perennial borders
• Pollinator-friendly gardens
• Wildlife gardens
• Front and middle of borders
• Raised beds
• Patio containers
• Courtyard gardens
• Cut flower gardens
• Contemporary planting schemes

It combines beautifully with Salvia, Nepeta, Geranium, Alchemilla, Astrantia, Campanula, Delphiniums, Foxgloves and ornamental grasses.

Seasonal Interest

• Fresh green foliage emerges in early spring.
• Strong flower stems develop during late spring.
• Brilliant scarlet-red flowers bloom from late spring into summer.
• Regular deadheading encourages repeat flowering into early autumn.
• Flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.
• Plants die back in winter before fresh growth emerges the following spring.

Common Problems

Geum 'Mrs Bradshaw' is generally healthy and easy to grow.

• Poor drainage can lead to crown or root rot.
• Slugs and snails may feed on young spring growth.
• Powdery mildew may occur in hot, dry conditions with poor air circulation.
• Flowering may decline if plants become overcrowded.
• Divide mature clumps every few years to maintain vigour and abundant flowering.

With its vibrant scarlet-red flowers, compact clump-forming habit and long flowering season, Geum chiloense 'Mrs Bradshaw' is an outstanding perennial for Irish gardens. Hardy, reliable and easy to grow, it brings months of brilliant colour, attracts pollinators and makes an excellent cut flower, making it a superb choice for borders, containers and cottage garden planting schemes

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
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