Geum ‘Solar Tempest’

Description

Geum ‘Solar Tempest’ is a striking perennial that adds a burst of vibrant yellow flowers over lush green foliage. This clump-forming plant blooms almost continuously from spring to summer, making it a fantastic addition to your garden. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Geum ‘Solar Tempest’ flourishes and provides long-lasting beauty.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Geum ‘Solar Tempest’ is in early spring, once the soil begins to warm up. Planting at this time ensures that the roots have enough time to establish before the blooming season begins, resulting in a healthy and robust plant.
• Autumn: Geum ‘Solar Tempest’ can also be planted in early autumn. This allows the plant to settle in before the colder months, ensuring strong root development that will help it thrive the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Geum thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to encourage the best flowering performance. While it can tolerate some shade, the plant will produce more vibrant blooms in sunnier spots.
• Soil: This perennial prefers fertile, well-drained, and moisture-retentive soil. Geum ‘Solar Tempest’ performs best when planted in rich, slightly moist soil that doesn’t stay waterlogged. Improve soil quality by incorporating organic matter such as compost to enhance both fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is roughly twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of Geum ‘Solar Tempest’. This provides ample space for the roots to spread and establish.
2. Soil Preparation: Incorporate organic compost into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Geum benefits from nutrient-rich soil, which promotes healthy growth and abundant flowers.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate any air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots settle into their new home. Geum requires moist, but not soggy, conditions, so ensure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Geum prefers consistently moist soil throughout the growing season. During dry spells, water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to remain moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.
• Dormant Season: In the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Geum ‘Solar Tempest’ requires less moisture when it’s not actively growing, so only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. This helps provide a nutrient boost that supports healthy growth and abundant flowering.
• Mid-Summer: A light application of fertiliser in mid-summer can help Geum ‘Solar Tempest’ maintain its vigour throughout the blooming period, ensuring that it continues to produce bright yellow flowers.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead by removing spent flowers. This helps to prolong the blooming season and keeps the plant looking tidy. Deadheading encourages the production of new flowers, ensuring continuous blooms throughout the spring and summer.
• Autumn Pruning: After the blooming period, cut the plant back to ground level in autumn. This helps prepare the plant for winter and encourages fresh growth the following spring.

Mulching

• Spring Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Geum in spring to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches, such as compost or bark chips, work best.
• Winter Mulching: In colder months, add a thicker layer of mulch to protect the roots from freezing temperatures and prevent frost damage. This ensures that the plant survives through to the next growing season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Geum ‘Solar Tempest’ has sturdy stems and does not generally require staking. However, if the plant becomes top-heavy with flowers or in particularly windy locations, staking may be necessary to keep it upright.

Final Tips

Geum ‘Solar Tempest’ is a low-maintenance perennial that thrives in full sun or partial shade, making it a versatile addition to any garden. By planting it in fertile, well-drained soil and following this care routine, your Geum will reward you with continuous vibrant yellow blooms that last throughout spring and summer.

This plant’s vibrant flowers and lush foliage will add beauty and colour to your garden, whether planted in borders, containers, or as part of a mixed perennial bed.