Geum chiloense 'Mrs. Bradshaw' (Feuerball) – A fiery eye-catcher for any garden

Geum chiloense 'Mrs. Bradshaw', also known as Feuerball, is an improved, profusely flowering selection within the Avens range. This beautiful perennial is best known for its fully double, scarlet flowers, which appear like fiery accents above the fresh green foliage. Thanks to its reliability, vigorous growth, and long flowering period, it is a popular choice for borders, flowerbeds, natural gardens, and colorful planting combinations.

Notable features

Geum 'Mrs. Bradshaw' forms a low, cushion-shaped base of mid-green, lightly hairy leaves. From this compact leaf cushion, sturdy flower stems rise in late spring, bearing deep red, double-flowered blooms. This vibrant color contrasts beautifully with the green foliage and instantly adds warmth and dynamism to the garden planting.

Key features at a glance:

• Latin name: Geum chiloense 'Mrs. Bradshaw'

• Dutch name: Avens

• Flower color: Scarlet, fully double

• Height: 50–60 cm

• Flowering period: May – August

• Location: Sun to light partial shade

• Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich

Growth habit and flowering

This improved variety is known for its abundant and long-lasting blooms. New flower buds are continuously formed from May until late summer. The double flowers have a classic rosette-like shape, making them a striking addition to the border.

The plant grows quickly and establishes itself effortlessly in the garden. Once Geum 'Mrs. Bradshaw' has established, it requires virtually no care. It's winter-hardy, stays compact, and doesn't fall apart easily.

Location and care

Geums are versatile and hardy perennials that fit into a variety of garden styles. However, they do have a few preferences for optimal growth:

Location

Geum 'Mrs. Bradshaw' thrives in a spot in full sun to light partial shade. It flowers most profusely in the sun, but it also tolerates light shade under deciduous trees or among taller plants.

Soil

The ideal soil is humus-rich, slightly moist, but well-drained. Standing water is less tolerated, so avoid very heavy clay soil or wet areas.

Maintenance

Although Geums are low-maintenance, simple maintenance can ensure even more abundant flowering:

• Removing faded flowers encourages new flower formation.

• A light pruning after the first flush of flowering can induce rebloom.

• The plant can be divided every 3–4 years to keep it fresh and vital.

• An annual layer of compost promotes growth and abundance of flowers.

Applications in the garden

Geum chiloense 'Mrs. Bradshaw' fits well into various garden designs thanks to its compact growth and intense color. The plant combines perfectly with both cool tones and warm palettes.

Ideal applications:

• Perennial borders

• Cottage gardens

• Natural plantings

• Prairie and Pick-a-Pick Gardens

• Underplanting under deciduous trees

Beautiful combinations can be made with plants like geraniums, salvia, echinacea, campanula, and ornamental grasses. The scarlet flowers provide contrast and tie the various hues in the border together.

In addition, the flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making Geum 'Mrs. Bradshaw' a valuable plant for a biodiverse garden.

Why choose Geum chiloense 'Mrs. Bradshaw'?

This variety is particularly popular because of its:

• Deep scarlet, double flowers

• Reliable, long-lasting flowering

• Compact, cushion-forming growth

• Strong, hardy and low-maintenance character

• Multifunctional use in borders and natural gardens