Geum 'Mrs. Bradshaw'

Overview and Description

Geum 'Mrs. Bradshaw' is a classic and much-loved perennial prized for its vibrant scarlet-red double blooms that rise above attractive mounds of lobed, green foliage. Blooming prolifically from late spring into summer, it brings bold colour and energy to borders, wildlife gardens, and cottage-style plantings.

Originally introduced in the 1920s, this reliable and award-winning variety remains popular due to its easy care, floriferous habit, and pollinator-friendly flowers. It is particularly valued for brightening up early-season borders and is often used in mixed perennial beds, front-of-border positions, and container combinations.

• Botanical Name: Geum chiloense 'Mrs. Bradshaw'

• Common Name: Avens ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’

• Family: Rosaceae

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial

• Height & Spread: 45–60 cm high × 30–40 cm wide

• Flowers: Double scarlet-red with yellow stamens

• Foliage: Deep green, hairy, basal rosettes

• Flowering Period: May to July (with potential for late summer rebloom)

• Growth Habit: Upright flowering stems over clump-forming foliage

• Hardiness: Fully hardy (H7; to -20°C or below)

Ideal Growing Conditions

Light

• Thrives in full sun, where it will produce the most flowers and richest colour

• Will tolerate light shade, especially in hotter regions

• Avoid deep shade, which may reduce flowering and result in floppy stems

Soil

• Prefers moist but well-drained soil

• Grows well in loamy, sandy, or chalky soils

• Will tolerate clay if drainage is improved with compost or grit

• Likes neutral to slightly acidic soil pH

Watering, Feeding & Maintenance

Watering

• Water regularly in the first year to establish roots

• Once established, it tolerates short dry spells, but will flower more freely with consistent moisture

• Avoid waterlogged conditions, especially in winter

Feeding

• Apply a balanced granular fertiliser in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering

• Supplement with liquid feed during the flowering season for enhanced bloom production

• Avoid high nitrogen levels, which encourage lush foliage at the expense of flowers

Maintenance

• Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming

• After flowering, cut back faded flower stems to keep the plant tidy

• Divide clumps every 3–4 years in autumn or spring to maintain vigour and prevent overcrowding

• Remove old foliage in late autumn or early spring to tidy the clump

Garden Uses and Design Ideas

Geum 'Mrs. Bradshaw' is an excellent choice for injecting vibrant colour into early-season borders. Its upright stems and neat base make it ideal for front-of-border positions, where its blooms can be fully appreciated.

Best Uses

• Perennial borders and cottage gardens

• Wildlife-friendly gardens—loved by bees and hoverflies

• Mixed planting schemes with late spring or early summer bloomers

• Container displays

• Great for cut flower arrangements

Companion Plants

• Pairs well with blue and purple tones like Salvia nemorosa, Nepeta, and Geranium 'Johnson’s Blue'

• Contrast beautifully with pale yellows (e.g., Alchemilla mollis) and silver foliage (e.g., Stachys byzantina)

• Plant alongside early-flowering perennials like Aquilegia, Papaver, or Dicentra for seasonal layering

• Integrates easily into meadow-style gardens with grasses and native plants

Key Features and Benefits

• Bright scarlet double blooms offer vivid colour early in the season

• Long flowering window from May into summer

• Compact and tidy growth ideal for small borders and containers

• Excellent for pollinators, especially bees and hoverflies

• Low maintenance and easy to grow

• Fully hardy and weather-resistant

• Reliable year after year, with minimal care requirements

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

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
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.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.