Geum ‘Sangria’ (Cocktail Series)

Description

Geum ‘Sangria’ is a stunning perennial that adds vibrant colour to your garden with its semi-double, vivid red flowers, complemented by a striking golden centre. This clump-forming plant is ideal for borders, containers, or as a cut flower, providing a brilliant display from May to July. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Geum ‘Sangria’ thrives and blooms beautifully throughout the season.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Geum ‘Sangria’ is in early spring when the soil begins to warm up. Planting at this time gives the roots a chance to establish before the growing season begins, ensuring healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
• Autumn: Alternatively, Geum ‘Sangria’ can be planted in early autumn. This allows the plant to settle in before winter dormancy, promoting strong root development for the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Geum ‘Sangria’ thrives in full sun, so select a location where the plant will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This encourages abundant flower production and strong, healthy growth.
• Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained for Geum ‘Sangria’. While this plant tolerates a range of soil types, it performs best in fertile, moist soil with good drainage. Adding organic matter such as compost will improve the soil quality, enhancing root establishment and supporting vigorous growth.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: When planting Geum ‘Sangria’, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. This provides ample space for the roots to expand and establish comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to enrich it with nutrients. This step will ensure that your Geum ‘Sangria’ has the resources it needs to thrive and produce stunning flowers.
3. Planting: Position the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Ensure that the area is well-drained, as Geum ‘Sangria’ prefers moist but not waterlogged soil.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Geum ‘Sangria’ prefers consistently moist soil during the growing season. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to maintain even moisture. However, avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering in the dormant season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly. Geum ‘Sangria’ requires less water when it is not actively growing.

Feeding

• Spring Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser around Geum ‘Sangria’ in early spring to give it a strong start. This will support new growth and promote healthy flowering.
• Mid-Summer Feeding: In mid-summer, a light application of fertiliser can help sustain flowering and keep the plant vigorous throughout the blooming season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from Geum ‘Sangria’ to encourage the production of fresh blooms. This also keeps the plant looking tidy and prevents it from diverting energy into seed production.
• Autumn Pruning: After the flowering period, cut back the plant to ground level in autumn. This encourages healthy growth in the following spring and helps the plant prepare for dormancy.

Mulching

• Spring Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around Geum ‘Sangria’ in spring to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches such as bark chips or compost are ideal.
• Winter Mulching: In colder months, a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant will protect the roots from freezing temperatures. This helps prevent frost damage and ensures the plant survives winter.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Geum ‘Sangria’ has a sturdy, compact growth habit and generally does not require staking. However, in very windy conditions or if the plant becomes top-heavy during flowering, consider staking to keep it upright.

Final Tips

Geum ‘Sangria’ is a low-maintenance perennial that brings vibrant colour and texture to your garden. By planting it in full sun, providing well-drained, fertile soil, and following a simple care routine, your Geum ‘Sangria’ will reward you with beautiful blooms from May to July. This plant is perfect for borders, containers, or as a cut flower, adding a splash of colour to your outdoor space.

Incorporate Geum ‘Sangria’ into your garden today for a beautiful, long-lasting display of vivid red and golden blooms that will brighten up your garden year after year!