Water Avens Plant Care

Water Avens (Geum rivale) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Geum genus. Water Avens is native to the temperate regions of Europe, Central Asia and parts of North America. Water Avens is also known as Purple Avens, Mountain Avens.

Water Avens displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Water Avens produces single or double flowers in various colors like red, orange, yellow, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Geum rivale 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.

Water Avens thrives in full sun to part shade.

Geum rivale grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Water Avens prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Water Avens to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Water 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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.

Water Avens can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to creeping avens plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Water 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.

Water Avens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Water Avens is native to the temperate regions of Europe, Central Asia and parts of North America.