Geum rivale (Lemon Drop) - Marginal Pond Plants - MP039

Geum rivale ‘Lemon Drop’, a cultivar of the native Geum rivale (Water Avens), is a charming herbaceous perennial known for its delicate nodding flowers and compact growth. This plant thrives in damp or moist conditions, making it ideal for water gardens, pond edges, and boggy areas. With its soft lemon-yellow blooms and attractive foliage, Lemon Drop adds a touch of elegance and brightness to moist garden landscapes.

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Description

Geum rivale ‘Lemon Drop’ grows to a height of 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) with a spread of approximately 30 cm (12 inches). The plant forms a neat clump of pinnate, medium-green leaves with a slightly ruffled texture, creating an attractive base for the flowering stems.

From late spring to early summer (May to July), slender stems rise above the foliage, bearing nodding, bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are a soft lemon-yellow with a hint of green at the base, giving them a fresh and delicate appearance. As the blooms fade, they are followed by attractive seed heads that add interest and texture to the garden.

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Growing Conditions

Geum rivale ‘Lemon Drop’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers consistently moist or waterlogged soil. It is well-suited for planting along pond edges, streams, or in bog gardens. The plant performs best in nutrient-rich, slightly acidic to neutral soils, and can tolerate clay, loam, or sandy conditions if moisture is maintained.

Hardy in the UK, Lemon Drop can withstand frost and regrows each spring after winter dormancy, making it a reliable addition to temperate gardens.

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Propagation and Care

Geum rivale ‘Lemon Drop’ can be propagated by division or seed. Division is the most common and reliable method and is best done in early spring or autumn. Simply lift the clump, divide it into smaller sections with roots and shoots, and replant them in moist soil.

This plant requires minimal maintenance once established. Regular watering is essential to maintain the damp conditions it prefers, especially during dry periods. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage prolonged blooming and prevent self-seeding if not desired. Cutting back the foliage in late autumn can help tidy the plant and prepare it for new growth in spring.

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Uses

Ornamental:

Geum rivale ‘Lemon Drop’ is a beautiful addition to water gardens, pond margins, and boggy areas. Its soft yellow flowers and compact growth habit make it a perfect choice for mixed borders or naturalistic plantings. It pairs well with other moisture-loving plants, such as Primula japonica (Japanese Primrose), Iris sibirica (Siberian Iris), and Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold).

Naturalized Plantings:

This cultivar is ideal for naturalizing in damp meadow-like settings or woodland gardens, where its delicate flowers can create a subtle, romantic effect.

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Ecological Value

Geum rivale ‘Lemon Drop’ is a valuable plant for supporting pollinators. Its flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The plant’s clump-forming habit also offers shelter for small wildlife in wetland areas.

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Considerations

• Moisture Needs: The plant requires consistently moist or waterlogged soil to thrive. It is not suitable for dry or well-drained areas.
• Winter Dormancy: The plant dies back in winter but regrows vigorously in spring.
• Spread Management: While not invasive, Lemon Drop may spread through self-seeding in optimal conditions. Deadheading can help manage this if necessary.

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Summary

Geum rivale ‘Lemon Drop’ is a delightful and versatile perennial that brings a fresh, delicate charm to water gardens, pond edges, and boggy landscapes. Its soft lemon-yellow flowers, compact habit, and ability to thrive in damp conditions make it a standout choice for enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of moist garden settings. Easy to grow and maintain, this cultivar is perfect for adding a touch of elegance and colour to naturalistic or formal gardens alike.

Why Choose Geum rivale 'Lemon Drop' (Water Avens)?

Geum rivale 'Lemon Drop', commonly known as Water Avens, is a charming and low-maintenance perennial that thrives in moist and wet conditions. Known for its vivid yellow flowers and delicate, fern-like foliage, this cultivar adds both color and texture to pond edges, bog gardens, and wet meadows. Its ability to bloom in late spring and its striking color make it an excellent addition to any water garden or naturalistic planting.

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1. Vibrant Yellow Flowers

• Geum rivale 'Lemon Drop' produces vivid yellow, nodding flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
• The flowers hang gracefully from long stems, creating a soft and beautiful display of color that stands out against the surrounding greenery.
• The bright yellow blooms provide a cheerful splash of color and attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, supporting a healthy ecosystem.

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2. Delicate, Fern-Like Foliage

• Features fine, deeply lobed leaves that resemble ferns, offering a soft and intricate texture in the garden.
• The green foliage creates an elegant contrast with the yellow flowers, adding depth and interest to wetland landscapes.
• The foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, even when the plant is not in bloom.

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3. Thrives in Wet and Moist Conditions

• Water Avens is perfect for planting in moist to wet soils or shallow water (up to 15 cm / 6 inches deep), making it ideal for pond edges, bog gardens, and wet meadows.
• Performs well in full sun to partial shade, offering flexibility in different light conditions while ensuring healthy growth and abundant blooms.

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4. Hardy and Low Maintenance

• Geum rivale 'Lemon Drop' is a hardy perennial that tolerates fluctuating moisture levels and varying water conditions, making it an excellent choice for diverse wetland environments.
• It is low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, making it an excellent option for gardeners who want reliable beauty with little upkeep.

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5. Wildlife-Friendly

• The yellow flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.
• The dense foliage provides shelter for small creatures such as insects, amphibians, and small birds, supporting a thriving wetland or water garden ecosystem.

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6. Erosion Control and Water Filtration

• The plant’s dense root system helps stabilize soil, making it ideal for erosion control along pond banks, marshes, or wetland areas.
• Geum rivale 'Lemon Drop' also helps to filter water, absorbing excess nutrients and improving the overall water quality in your garden or pond.

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7. Versatile Design Use

• Ideal for water gardens, bog gardens, pond edges, or wetland landscapes, where it can provide both color and texture.
• Works well in naturalistic plantings, where its vibrant yellow flowers complement other moisture-loving plants, or as part of a wildlife-friendly garden that supports pollinators and small creatures.

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Key Features

• Height: 30–60 cm (12–24 inches)
• Flowers: Bright yellow, nodding flowers, blooming in late spring to early summer
• Soil: Moist to wet soil or shallow water
• Light: Full sun to partial shade

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Geum rivale 'Lemon Drop' (Water Avens) is a delightful and versatile addition to any wetland or water garden. Its vivid yellow flowers, fern-like foliage, and ability to thrive in moist environments make it an excellent choice for enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of your garden.