Geum reptans
Description and General Information:
Geum reptans grows on alpine screes and moraines at elevations of 2300-3800 m. It is distributed among the Alps, Balkans and Carpathian mountains. In the wild it is usually confined to acidic rock.
Plants have a matted growth habit as they reproduce by producing red, strawberry-like stolons. Its rosette leaves, which reach to 15 cm in length, are pinnate with round, serrated leaflets. Solitary 3-5 cm diameter yellow flowers are produced on short stems 10-25 cm high. These later develop into attractive seedheads, reminiscent of a small Pulsatilla.
Cultivation:
Full sun and well-drained site. They prefer acidic soil over alkaline. Considered hardy from zone 4-8.
Blooming Period:
April in warmer regions to June in cooler. In the wild, July and August are the main blooming season.
Propagation:
Seeds, stolons
Seed:
Direct sow at 20 C; germination should occur within a few weeks.
Division:
Not commonly practiced as plants are more easily raised from seed or from stolons.
Cuttings:
It is propagated not so much from cuttings as from stolons. Plants often produce stolons that end in a new plantlet. Once rooted, these plantlets may be moved to a new location.