Scarlet Avens Plant Care
Geum coccineum Lindl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Geum coccineum is a species of flowering plant in the genus Geum, in the rose family Rosaceae. Native to the mountains of the Balkans and northern Turkey, it is also grown ornamentally for its bright red flowers.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Scarlet Avens?
Water Scarlet Avens every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Scarlet Avens Native To?
What Is the Scarlet Avens?
Scarlet Avens (Geum coccineum) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Geum genus. Scarlet Avens is native to the mountains of the Balkans and northern Turkey. Scarlet Avens is also known as Dwarf Geum.
Scarlet Avens displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Scarlet Avens produces single or double flowers in various colors like red, orange, yellow, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Scarlet Avens?
Geum coccineum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Scarlet Avens Need?
Scarlet Avens thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Scarlet Avens Prefer?
Geum coccineum grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Scarlet Avens prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Scarlet Avens?
Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Scarlet Avens to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Scarlet Avens?
Feed Scarlet Avens every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Scarlet Avens?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Scarlet Avens?
Scarlet Avens can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to creeping avens plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Scarlet Avens Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Scarlet Avens, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Scarlet Avens?
Scarlet Avens is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Scarlet Avens Need?
Scarlet Avens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Scarlet Avens is native to the mountains of the Balkans and northern Turkey. In cooler regions, grow Scarlet Avens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Scarlet Avens is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Geum genus — compare its care with other Geum species on PlantoScan.
Geum is part of the Rosaceae plant family — browse all Rosaceae genera and species.
Scarlet Avens thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Geum Species
Other Geum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Geum coccineum Lindl., family Rosaceae (first published in Bot. Reg. 13: t. 1088 (1827)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scarlet Avens, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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