Double Bloody Mary Avens
Double Bloody Mary Avens
Fiery Double Scarlet Blooms to Open the Garden Season
Double Bloody Mary Avens (Geum coccineum 'Double Bloody Mary') sets the early-summer border ablaze with fully double, scarlet-red flowers dancing on slender stems above a neat mound of green foliage. The double blooms read bolder and last longer than single Geums, delivering a saturated hit of color right when the garden is waking up. Whether you're brightening a sunny bed in Eden Prairie, edging a walkway in Plymouth, or adding drama to an Eagan border, this is one of the most striking early perennials you can grow.
Double Bloody Mary Avens Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Geum coccineum 'Double Bloody Mary' |
| Mature Size | 14–18 in. tall, 12–14 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 5–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — best in sheltered, well-drained spots) |
| Light | Full sun to part sun |
| Bloom Time | Late spring into early summer, with scattered rebloom |
| Flower Color | Double scarlet-red |
| Soil | Average to moist, well-drained — dislikes soggy winter soil |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable in zone 5a; mulch in exposed zone 4b sites |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed |
Landscape Uses
Plant it at the front of a sunny border where the vivid red flowers can be admired up close, or mass three to five for a bold ribbon of color. The compact clump suits small yards and patio containers, and the wiry flower stems are charming in small bouquets.
Pollinator gardens: Early bloom feeds bees and butterflies before summer perennials open. Combine with salvia, catmint, and coreopsis for continuous nectar.
Best Time to Plant Double Bloody Mary Avens in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) for a full establishment season, or in early fall (late August–mid September). Skip midsummer planting. Since this Geum is at the cold edge of its range here, a protected, sharply drained spot pays off in winter survival.
How to Plant Double Bloody Mary Avens
Dig a hole twice the pot's width at the same depth. Amend heavy clay with 20–30% compost for drainage — wet winter soil is the main threat. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill, water in, and mulch 2 inches deep while keeping mulch off the crown. Space 12–14 inches apart.
Watering Double Bloody Mary Avens
First year: Keep evenly moist — every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop watering 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Water during dry spells only; steady moisture is ideal but never standing water. Good drainage drives winter hardiness.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Hardy to about zone 5 and dependable in warmer Twin Cities microclimates. In exposed zone 4b sites, plant in a sheltered, well-drained location and mulch for winter. Avoid soggy soil.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits generally leave Geum alone.
Q: Do the double flowers rebloom?
Removing spent blooms encourages scattered rebloom through early summer.
Q: Will it spread or flop?
It stays a tidy clump. Divide every few years in spring to keep it dense and floriferous.
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Koi Avens (Geum coccineum): The coral-orange counterpart for a warm-toned planting.
Hardy Cranesbill (Geranium): Deer-resistant, long-blooming border partners.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia): Extends the red-and-gold palette into late summer.