Appalachian Barren Strawberry Geum

A ground cover that resembles strawberries in every way but the actual fruit. Appalachian Barren Strawberry is a great ground cover that has sunny yellow flowers above strawberry-like lobed leaves. You can leave it to scramble through a sunny garden bed and not have to worry about cleaning up after it. Barren Strawberry is native to the cooler parts of North America and really thrives in woodland plantings. Pollinators and other wildlife are drawn to the Geum. The St John's Wort- like flowers are full of nectar for bees and butterflies, while the carpet of foliage provides cover and rest for small visitors to the garden like frogs and toads. Even though this perennial has a large spread for its size, it is not very fast growing and easy to keep to one area. Since there are no berries to set seed on this Geum, all propagation is done by the rhizomes. Appalachian Barren Strawberry Geum Care Barren Strawberry Geum will grow happily in many types of gardens. Average, well drained soil is a must. A soil pH on the slightly acidic side is perfect. Fertilizing is not often needed. A mulching of organic compost or leaves in the fall will help this herbaceous perennial to overwinter without damage, Very little annual maintenance is necessary. A quick clean up of last year's old vines can be done as the new growth starts early in the spring. Dividing is only needed if the vigor of growth or blooming has declined. Appalachian Barren Strawberry Geum Spacing Appalachian Barren Strawberry fits the definition of ground cover in every way. Height is only 4-6 inches with a spread of 12-18 inches. When planting, space these sprawlers at 16 inches, center on center, in order to fill in the space quickly.