The Content Of The Article:
- origin
- growth
- leaves
- blossoms
- Location and ground
- Planting and care
- To cut
- use
- variety Tips
- proliferation
- Diseases and pests
origin
The genus Clove (Geum) includes about 50 species that are both in Europe, as well as in Asia, New Zealand, North and South America, and Africa are native. Domesticated in Germany are the true carnation root (Geum urbanum) and the brook carnation (Geum rivale). The latter can be found here on streams and in forests. But also on the wayside the attractive perennial can be admired. The two species have also developed into a natural hybrid, Geum x intermedium. The Clovewort is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae). It is believed that the genus name Geum comes from the Greek verb "geuein", which translates as "tasting" means and refers to the carnation-like odor of the rhizome (root) - this suggests the German name part "wurz".
The true carnation root (Geum urbanum) is an old medicinal plant. In ancient times, the rhizome was used to aromatize wine and beer and was also a sought-after substitute for cloves. Because of the strong fragrance of the plant was awarded an anti-demonic effect. In the root are the essential oil Eugenol as well as Gerbstoffe contained. Even today, the true carnation root is used in folk medicine.
growth
With growth heights of 20 to 80 centimeters, the cloves are among the smaller, perennial and herbaceous shrubs. Geum chiloense 'golden ball' with sun-yellow flowers and 'fireball' with blood-red flowers are among the best-known and most popular geum varieties. Both are up to 40 centimeters high, grow like all cloves and shrivel in June and July. The sun-loving mountain carnation (Geum montanum) is about 30 centimeters high.
leaves
Geum is easily confused with some stubborn representatives of the finger-worm (Potentilla), because the flowers are very similar. Quick enlightenment, however, brings a look at the leaves, as Potentilla wields hand-feathery foliage. While in many shrubs the leaves spring from the stems, Geum grows directly from the rhizome. The composite leaves are basic and arranged in a rosette. Some varieties were cultivated only for their attractive foliage, such as Geum coccineum 'Eos' with yellow-green leaves. The leaves are divided into petioles and leaf blades and colored depending on the species light or dark green.
blossoms
The pedicels grow upright and are hairy depending on the species. Species such as Geum chiloense and Geum coccineum form very attractive dark red flower stalks. The color palette of flowers ranges from yellow and white to pink and red. The flowers consist of 5 petals, which can be simple, half-filled or filled. After blooming, handsome fluffy seeds are formed. Depending on the species and variety, the carnation root flowers from April to August. Partially it opens a new bloom in the autumn. One noteworthy feature is that red-flowered cloves of clover first carry yellow buds before they turn red when they bloom. An excellent low variety is 'Werner Arends' (Geum coccineum) with intense orange-red flor, showing from May to July.
The Chilean Clove Root 'fireball' (Geum chiloense), also under the variety name 'Mrs. Bradshaw 'in the trade, is particularly popular because of its bright red flowers
Location and ground
Most species feel comfortable in the normal garden soil, this should be neither too wet nor too dry. The brook carnation also thrives in wetter locations, for example at the edge of the pond. The Chilean Clove (Geum chiloense) prefers a sunny spot, while the Cormorot (Geum rivale) and Geum coccineum prefer the shade.
Planting and care
The late summer is the best time to plant the carnation in the bed. You only have to pay attention to the location, because the perennial does not need much to feel comfortable in the garden. If the soil is rather lean and less nutritious, some compost should be mixed before planting. On very light, nutrient-poor sandy soils, the perennials are not particularly durable.
In order for Geum to remain flowering and vital, a rejuvenation of the plant is recommended every three to five years - or at the latest when a bald spot becomes visible in the middle of the eyelid. The best period for dividing the perennials is after flowering, from late summer to fall. Dig out the plants and remove all woody parts. Only the young, soft rhizome pieces are replanted. After rejuvenation, a new location is also recommended, as carnation root, like all rose plants, is susceptible to soil fatigue. If the plant is to be further cultivated at the old location, it makes sense to replace the soil to a depth of 30 centimeters and to improve the new substrate with mature compost.
To cut
Re-cut the perennial after flowering to encourage re-emergence of the leaves. The pruning in late summer has the advantage that the plant does not ooze. As a result, the breeding forms remain sorted, because they have no chance to cross. If you do not value it, you can look forward to the pretty, fluffy seeds in autumn.
In autumn, some species of carnation show decorative seeds
use
The Chilean Clove (Geum chiloense) is suitable for the foreground of perennial borders, woody edges and planting of woody plants. Their flower stems also decorate bouquets and their cup-shaped flowers are a sought-after bee pasture. Planted in small or larger groups, the beauty of the clove shrubs comes into their own. If you plant them individually, they usually go under in the perennial flowerbed because of their small size. As a harmonic background planting for orange-colored cloves, purple bells (Heuchera) are highly recommended. Varieties with dark red foliage support the luminosity of the Geum flowers. Also the ground covering Elfenblumen (Epimedium) are considerable neighbors. A suitable planting partner for the Bach carnation root is also the marsh forget-me-not (myosotis).
variety Tips
A rather young variety is 'Flames of Passion' (Geum rivale), which was introduced in 2002 and is by the well-known Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf. Another equally appealing new addition is Geum chiloense 'Mai Tai', which presents apricot rose-colored semi-double flowers from June to August. The flowers of the Bach carnation root 'Leonard's Variety' show a very beautiful pink color.
Left: Carnation 'Mai Tai' (Geum Chiloense hybrid). Right: Carnation 'Leonard's Variety' (Geum rivale)
proliferation
The division of perennials described above is also the simplest propagation method. However, the pure species of carnation root can also be propagated by sowing. In good locations, the perennials even do it themselves - you only have to dig up the young seedlings in the spring and transplant them to the desired location.
Diseases and pests
Cloves are extremely robust and hardly susceptible to disease. They are even shunned by snails.