GEUM Scarlet Tempest

Geum ‘Scarlet Tempest’ Care Guide

Geum ‘Scarlet Tempest’ is a stunning herbaceous perennial known for its large, semi-double, fiery red-orange blooms with a hint of golden yellow at the center. It provides long-lasting color from late spring to early autumn and is perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and patio containers. This variety is well-loved for its robust growth, repeat flowering, and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. With proper care, Geum ‘Scarlet Tempest’ will thrive and provide vibrant color year after year.

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Geum ‘Scarlet Tempest’
• Common Name: Avens ‘Scarlet Tempest’
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature Size: Typically grows to 40-50cm in height and 45-60cm in spread
• Foliage: Bright green, semi-evergreen leaves form a low-growing clump
• Flowers: Large, red-orange semi-double blooms with a yellow center
• Flowering Season: Blooms from late spring to early autumn
• Growth Rate: Fast-growing and forms dense clumps over time
• Hardiness: Fully hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, suitable for UK gardens

Light and Soil Requirements

• Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. More sunlight results in stronger flowering, while partial shade is beneficial in very hot climates.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Prefers loamy, sandy, or clay-based soil with good aeration.
• pH Level: Best in neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline soils (pH 6.0-7.5).

Watering and Moisture

• Newly Planted Geums: Water regularly for the first 6-8 weeks to help establish strong roots.
• Established Plants: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Geums are drought-tolerant once mature, though they benefit from occasional watering in dry periods.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch (such as compost or bark chips) in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Planting and Maintenance

How to Plant Geum ‘Scarlet Tempest’

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn, allowing roots to establish before winter or summer heat.
• Spacing: Space plants 30-45cm apart to allow for good air circulation and healthy growth.
• Planting Depth: Ensure the crown is at soil level—burying it too deeply can lead to rot.
• Container Growing: Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
• Cutting Back: In late autumn or early spring, cut back old or damaged leaves to promote fresh new growth.
• Dividing Clumps: Every 3-4 years, divide clumps in spring or autumn to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.

Feeding and Fertilization

• Early Spring Feeding: Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season.
• Boosting Flower Production: Use a high-potassium liquid feed (such as tomato feed) every 4-6 weeks during flowering.
• Organic Matter: Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil annually improves fertility and growth.

Common Pests, Diseases, and Seasonal Care

Potential Pests and Diseases

• Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can distort new growth and reduce flowering.
  • Solution: Remove by spraying with soapy water or encouraging natural predators like ladybirds.
• Vine Weevils: Can damage roots, leading to wilting and poor growth.
  • Solution: Use biological controls like nematodes if infestations occur.
• Powdery Mildew: Can develop in humid conditions with poor airflow.
  • Solution: Ensure plants are spaced properly, and water at the base rather than overhead.

Seasonal Care Tips

• Spring: Feed plants, refresh mulch, and prune back any dead or damaged foliage.
• Summer: Keep soil moist during dry spells and deadhead regularly to prolong flowering.
• Autumn: Reduce feeding, and cut back spent flower stems for a tidy winter appearance.
• Winter: Fully hardy, but applying a mulch layer can help protect roots in colder regions.

Landscape Uses and Companion Planting

Geum ‘Scarlet Tempest’ is perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and container planting, providing a long-lasting splash of color. It pairs well with other plants to create stunning mixed displays.

Ideal Companion Plants

• Salvia – Provides contrasting blue-purple flowers and attracts pollinators.
• Nepeta (Catmint) – Offers a soft, trailing habit that complements Geum’s upright growth.
• Geranium (Cranesbill) – Adds long-lasting color and ground cover around Geums.
• Echinacea (Coneflower) – Enhances the display with bold daisy-like blooms.

Summary

Geum ‘Scarlet Tempest’ is a hardy, repeat-flowering perennial that brings vibrant red-orange blooms and lush green foliage to the garden. Its long blooming season, ease of care, and pollinator-friendly flowers make it an excellent choice for borders, containers, and mixed plantings. By providing moist, well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and occasional pruning, you can enjoy this stunning perennial for years to come

• Size
  2 Litre

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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