Geum ‘Mango Lassi'(Cocktail Series)

Description

Geum ‘Mango Lassi’ is a stunning clump-forming perennial that brings a burst of vibrant, two-tone mango-orange flowers to any garden. Known for its beautiful blooms and compact growth habit, this plant is a perfect addition to borders, containers, or as part of a mixed flower bed. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Geum ‘Mango Lassi’ thrives and flourishes.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Geum ‘Mango Lassi’ is in early spring when the soil is warming up. This gives the plant ample time to establish its roots before the blooming season begins, ensuring healthy growth and a strong display of flowers.
• Autumn: You can also plant your Geum ‘Mango Lassi’ in early autumn, allowing it to settle into the soil and prepare for the cooler months. This helps promote vigorous growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Geum thrives in full sun or partial shade. For optimal growth and flower production, choose a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
• Soil: Ensure that the soil is well-drained and fertile. Geum prefers soil that is moisture-retentive but not waterlogged. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, into the soil will improve fertility and ensure healthy growth.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is approximately twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of your Geum ‘Mango Lassi’. This allows the roots to spread out comfortably and establish themselves in the soil.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Geum ‘Mango Lassi’ benefits from nutrient-rich soil, which encourages strong growth and beautiful blooms.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the prepared hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Backfill with soil, gently firming it to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Thoroughly water your Geum ‘Mango Lassi’ after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Ensure the area drains well to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Geum is relatively drought-tolerant. However, it’s important to water during dry spells to maintain consistent moisture levels. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant period in winter, reduce watering. Geum requires minimal water during this time, so only water if the soil becomes extremely dry.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to give Geum ‘Mango Lassi’ a strong start to the growing season. This encourages new growth and robust flowering.
• Mid-Summer: A light application of fertiliser in mid-summer can help sustain healthy growth and flower production throughout the blooming season. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regular deadheading of spent flowers will encourage your Geum to produce more blooms and keep the plant looking tidy. Removing faded flowers also extends the flowering period.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers have faded, cut back the stems to ground level. This prepares the plant for winter dormancy and promotes fresh growth in the spring.

Mulching

• Spring Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Geum to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches, such as bark chips or compost, are ideal for this purpose.
• Winter Mulching: Adding a layer of mulch in winter helps protect the roots from cold temperatures and prevents frost damage. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the crown of the plant to avoid rot.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Geum ‘Mango Lassi’ generally has sturdy stems and does not require staking. However, if you live in a particularly windy area or if the plant is exposed to heavy rainfall, consider staking it to prevent damage.

Final Tips for Growing Geum ‘Mango Lassi’

Geum ‘Mango Lassi’ is a low-maintenance perennial that adds vibrant colour to your garden with its beautiful mango-orange flowers. By planting it in well-drained soil, in a location with full sun or partial shade, and following the care instructions provided, your Geum will reward you with stunning blooms from May to July. This hardy, clump-forming plant is perfect for adding a splash of colour to any garden, container, or border. Incorporate Geum ‘Mango Lassi’ into your garden to enjoy its vibrant flowers and effortless beauty year after year!