I've tried this plant a couple times and am always a bit disappointed. It seems to just strike out in a circle and lay on the ground. The blooms are pretty enough, but the plant structure leaves me under-whelmed. Is there something I am missing? Maybe I need to plant it en masse? I usually try perennials out one or two at a time before deciding if I want to invest a lot of space and energy into a bunch of them.

Which one are you growing, Deb? I've grown Mrs. Bradshaw (the bright red one), both from seed and purchased plants, and it has always looked quite nice to me. Sort of a low mound. It's supposed to be perennial here, but then heh so are a lot of things that die for me. So none of mine have gotten very big.

I like my geums. I didn't take any pics this year, but after 3 years they have become nice large (?9-12 inch) mounds. They have even made some babies for me. I have an orange one and a red one. I like them because those shades of red and orange are hard to find in my spring garden otherwise, except in tulips. The colors seem like something that should be blooming in August, but yet they bloom in April-June. That being said, they aren't big show stoppers. The blooms were floppy the first few seasons. This year they aren't.

But because others like a plant, it doesn't mean you or I will. For instance, I think gaura is rather ho hum. And heucheras--well, they're okay. But I don't get what all the fuss is about. (ha ha---don't let spring color see that!)

I didn't take any pics of my geums this year. Should have. They are still blooming, so I might tomorrow. But here is one from last year. I believe this orange one made 4 perfectly spaced babies for me. It looks good at the base of a western red cedar (they will have to be moved next year or year after as the tree grows). Partial sun location.

I think they would look great on a garden edge, and paired with some grasses.

@kosk0025 I heard that!!

I bought one of those last year, wonder where it is? I will have to look when I get home. I like the look of them with the blooms floating on top. Do the slugs eat them?

I have had no luck with them. They die over winter. Or I am putting them in a wrong spot. It is easier to grow nice bright regular poppies, not the orientals. Although the orientals grow well here also. They would not be for edging as the poppies are about 2' tall but they bloom for a long time.