Geum rivale Lionel Cox

The 'Lionel Cox' water avens is unique with its pendant flowers with sulphur yellow petals with a salmon-orange edge in summer. It is more compact and shorter than other varieties, not exceeding 30cm (12in) in height. Slender stems and calyxes of a complementary purple-red colour elevate the bell-shaped flowers above a tuft of green velvety leaves. A rhizomatous perennial with a bushy and open habit, this species thrives in rich, moist soils, even tolerating temporary immersion and full sun, as long as there is sufficient soil moisture. With a wild appearance, this very hardy water avens brings light to "cottage" gardens and adds lightness and subtlety to more formal flowerbeds.

Native to Europe and Asia and belonging to the Rosaceae family, Geum rivale is a hardy herbaceous perennial, hardy down to -20°C (1°F). It is found in damp places, especially in the mountains. From June to August, it bears graceful bell-shaped flowers, about 3cm (1in) in diameter, on slender, pubescent stems that timidly lean. They are delicately enveloped by large decorative calyxes. They produce plume-like dry fruits covered in hairs that catch the light. Its deciduous leaves, shaped like a lyre, are deeply lobed and toothed, with a larger trilobed terminal leaflet. This cultivar has an upright habit, reaching a height of 30cm (12in) and a width of 45cm (18in). Its basal clump grows from rhizomes, allowing it to effectively serve as a ground cover.

It thrives in full sun or partial shade, in slightly acidic to limestone, moist to humid, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Under ideal conditions, it self-seeds spontaneously.

This elegant plant, with its subtle colours, integrates well into cottage gardens and complements the black foliage and purple flowers of Geranium phaeum. It also fits well along water edges and pond borders with Bergenias, Persicarias, daylilies, and Polemoniums with bluish-violet flowers and glaucous hosta foliage. In a fresh rockery, associate it with creeping bugle and aubrietas. Otherwise, pair it with the warm tones of Kniphofias, Crocosmias, and Coreopsis. Its smaller size allows for planting in pots at the base of taller shrubs or perennials. Use it primarily in the foreground of your plant compositions.

The roots are aromatic and edible, with a taste resembling liquorice and cloves. Native Americans use them to make a drink similar to hot chocolate. They are used in medicine, like in Geum urbanum, for their astringent, anti-inflammatory, and febrifuge properties.