old man's whiskers
Geum triflorum
GCA Plant of the Year 2020
USDA zones3 to 7
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size6 to 18 inches tall6 to 12 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Reddish pink to purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Old man's whiskers (Geum triflorum) is a perennial for borders, ground cover, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Feathery, pink-gray plumes follow the bell-shaped flowers and stay on the plant much of the summer. Deer rarely make it their first choice. The leaves turn deep red in fall.
Pairs well with Indian grass, Wild geranium, and Fragrant sumac.
Native range
Northern North America.