Japanese Avens Plant Care
Geum japonicum hort. ex Scheutz
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Geum japonicum, known as Asian herb bennet, is a yellow-flowering perennial plant native to North America and East Asia, especially Japan. It may be synonymous with Geum macrophyllum, the North American flower.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Japanese Avens?
Water Japanese 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 Japanese Avens Native To?
What Is the Japanese Avens?
Japanese Avens (Geum japonicum) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Geum genus. Japanese Avens is native to North America and East Asia, especially Japan.
Japanese Avens displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Japanese 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 Japanese Avens?
Geum japonicum 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 Japanese Avens Need?
Japanese Avens thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Japanese Avens Prefer?
Geum japonicum grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Japanese Avens prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Japanese Avens?
Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Japanese Avens to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Japanese Avens?
Feed Japanese 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 Japanese 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 Japanese Avens?
Japanese Avens can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to creeping avens plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Japanese Avens Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Japanese 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 Japanese Avens?
Japanese 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 Japanese Avens Need?
Japanese Avens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Japanese Avens is native to North America and East Asia, especially Japan. In cooler regions, grow Japanese Avens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Japanese 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.
Japanese 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 japonicum hort. ex Scheutz, family Rosaceae (first published in Nova Acta Regiae Soc. Sci. Upsal. vii. II. n. VI. 29. 1870) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Japanese 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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