Geum - Mrs. Bradshaw Scarlet

~ 50 Seeds

Geum ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ is a hardy perennial flower known for its vivid scarlet-red, semi-double blooms held above compact mounds of textured green foliage. Also known as avens, this eye-catching variety adds rich colour and vertical interest to cottage gardens, mixed borders, pollinator beds, and cut-flower plantings.

Blooming from late spring into early summer, ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ produces upright flowering stems that reach approximately 45–60 cm tall. Removing faded blooms can encourage the plant to produce additional flowers and helps keep the planting looking tidy throughout the season.

Each packet contains approximately 50 Geum ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ seeds.

Why Grow Geum ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’?

• Bright scarlet-red, semi-double flowers
• Hardy perennial suitable for Canadian gardens
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
• Excellent for cottage gardens and perennial borders
• Useful as a distinctive cut flower
• Compact, clump-forming growth habit
• May rebloom when spent flowers are removed
• Low-maintenance once established

Geum ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ Plant Details

Where to Plant Scarlet Geum

Geum ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ works particularly well near the front or middle of a perennial border, where its upright flower stems can rise above lower-growing plants without overwhelming the garden. Its warm scarlet colour pairs beautifully with yellow, blue, purple, white, and soft pink flowers.

Use it in:

• Cottage and informal gardens
• Mixed perennial borders
• Pollinator gardens
• Rock gardens
• Large containers
• Cut-flower beds
• Mass plantings and pathways

Combine this variety with other long-lived plants from Circle Farms’ Perennial Plant Seeds Collection, or browse the complete Flower Seeds Collection to plan a colourful mixed border.

How to Grow Geum ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ from Seed

Starting Seeds Indoors

1. Start seeds indoors approximately 8–10 weeks before your expected final spring frost.
2. Sow on the surface of moist seed-starting mix and cover only lightly.
3. Maintain a temperature of approximately 18–22°C.
4. Keep the growing medium consistently moist but never waterlogged.
5. Allow approximately 21–28 days for germination, although some seeds may take longer.
6. Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle.
7. Harden plants off gradually before transplanting them outdoors after frost danger has passed.

Direct Sowing

Seeds may also be sown outdoors in spring after the soil becomes workable. Direct-sown plants may establish more slowly and may not flower until the following growing season.

Spacing and Growing Conditions

Plant seedlings approximately 30–40 cm apart in moist, well-draining soil. Choose a location with full sun in cooler Canadian regions. Light afternoon shade can be helpful in areas that experience especially hot summers.

Geum dislikes standing water, particularly during winter. Avoid low areas with poorly draining soil, and improve heavy clay with compost or other organic matter before planting.

Caring for Geum Plants

Water regularly during the establishment period and during prolonged dry weather. Once mature, plants are relatively easy to maintain, but they generally flower best when the soil remains moderately and consistently moist.

Remove spent flower stems to encourage further blooming. Older clumps can be divided in spring or fall when flowering begins to decline or the centre becomes crowded.

In colder gardens, apply a light protective mulch after the ground freezes. Avoid burying the crown beneath heavy, wet mulch, as excess winter moisture can cause damage.

A Pollinator-Friendly Perennial

The open, brightly coloured flowers provide a useful seasonal food source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Plant ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ alongside early- and late-blooming varieties to create a longer sequence of nectar and pollen across the growing season.

Explore more bee-friendly options in Circle Farms’ Pollinator Plants Collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Geum ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ a perennial?

Yes. It is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial that returns each spring when grown within its suitable hardiness range.

How tall does Geum ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ grow?

Mature flowering stems generally reach approximately 45–60 cm tall, while the basal foliage remains lower and more compact.

Does Geum bloom in its first year?

Plants started early indoors may flower during their first growing season, although stronger blooming often begins once the plants are fully established.

Should Geum flowers be deadheaded?

Yes. Removing faded flower stems can encourage additional blooms and prevents the plant from directing unnecessary energy into seed production.

Can Geum grow in partial shade?

Yes. Full sun generally produces the strongest flowering, but the plants can tolerate light or partial shade, especially in warmer locations.

Is Geum suitable for cut flowers?

Yes. The upright stems and vivid semi-double blooms make ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ a distinctive addition to informal garden arrangements.