Geum 'Lady Stratheden' Seeds

Geum chiloense 'Lady Stratheden' (Yellow Avens) is an ultra-reliable Hardy Perennial (H7). It is completely hardy throughout the UK, capable of withstanding winters down to -20°C. It forms a neat basal rosette of soft, scalloped green leaves that remain semi-evergreen in all but the harshest winters.

The Renewal Cycle: Geums are stamina-rich but put so much energy into their long flowering season (3-4 months) that the central crown can become exhausted after 3-4 years. To keep your 'Lady Stratheden' performing at its peak, we recommend lifting and dividing the clumps every 2-3 years in autumn or early spring. This "youthful renewal" ensures vigorous flowering and gives you multiple new plants for free.

RHS Excellence: Named after a Scottish peerage title, this variety has earned the RHS Award of Garden Merit. This confirms its status as a top-tier performer in British soil, recognized for its consistent flowering, pest resistance, and overall garden beauty.

Geum 'Lady Stratheden' is one of the easiest perennials to grow from seed, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

How to Sow:
Sow indoors from February to May. Gently press the seeds into the surface of moist seed compost; they require light to germinate, so barely cover them with a very fine dusting of vermiculite (approx. 2mm). Maintain a temperature of 18-21°C. Germination can be variable, typically taking 14-30 days, though some seeds may take up to 6 weeks.

Where to Plant:
They are remarkably adaptable, thriving in full sun or partial shade. In warmer southern UK gardens, light afternoon shade can help prevent the bright yellow flowers from fading. Geums prefer moderately fertile soil that is moisture-retentive but well-drained. Drainage is critical; they cannot tolerate waterlogged roots in winter, so add grit to heavy clay soils or grow in raised beds.

Ongoing Care:
Deadheading is the secret to an extra-long display. Diligently remove spent flower stems back to the base foliage to trigger the production of fresh stems. This often results in a second delightful rebloom in September or October. Allow 30-45cm between plants as they form substantial, weed-smothering clumps.

The warm buttery-yellow of 'Lady Stratheden' works brilliantly when paired with cool blues and vibrant purples from our collection:

• 💙 Aquilegia 'Blue' (Granny's Bonnet): The Classic Partnership. Blue and yellow are complementary colours that intensify each other. These two flower together in late spring, with the intricate spurs of the Aquilegia dancing perfectly among the ruffled yellow saucers of the Geum.
• 🌿 Forget-me-not 'Blue': The Early Glow. As the Forget-me-nots reach their late spring peak, 'Lady Stratheden' begins its season. The bright yellow rising out of the soft blue sea of Myosotis creates an uplifting, "English country garden" look that pollinators will swarm to.

Sow indoors in spring or outdoors in late summer for months of cheerful sunshine-yellow blooms.