Photo: Joey BomCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Mountain Avens Plant Care
Geum montanum Gouan ex Steud.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its deeply lobed and serrated leaves, this plant from the mountainous regions of Europe stands out for its unique foliage. Geum montanum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its delicate yellow flowers that bloom in early summer, adding a pop of color to any garden or landscape.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Mountain Avens?
Water Mountain 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 Mountain Avens Native To?
What Is the Mountain Avens?
Mountain Avens (Geum montanum) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Geum genus. Mountain Avens is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe. Mountain Avens is also known as Alpine Avens.
Mountain Avens displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Mountain 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 Mountain Avens?
Geum montanum 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 Mountain Avens Need?
Mountain Avens thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mountain Avens Prefer?
Geum montanum grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Mountain Avens prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mountain Avens?
Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Mountain Avens to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mountain Avens?
Feed Mountain 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 Mountain 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 Mountain Avens?
Mountain Avens can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to creeping avens plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mountain Avens Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mountain 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 Mountain Avens?
Mountain 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 Mountain Avens Need?
Mountain Avens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Mountain Avens is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Mountain 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.
Mountain 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 montanum Gouan ex Steud., family Rosaceae (first published in Nomencl. Bot. [Steudel], ed. 2. i. 682.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mountain 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.
- Photo: Joey Bom, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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