Question about Geums

#1 · 29th June 2024, 9:51 am

Hi Lee, I just wanted to ask you a couple of things regarding my Geum plants. I bought two plants from two different places. The first is Totally Tangerine. Since buying this one, it has grown really well, but has no flower buds on it at all and some of the leaves on the underneath of the plant are yellow or brown and crispy. The second one is Fiery Tempest. This has also grown well and actually had a few buds on it when I bought it. It did end up with quite a few flowers which opened up, then died off fairly quickly. I was told to deadhead to encourage more flowers, so I did that and now I have bare stalks and no sign at all of any new buds appearing. So upset as they are one of my favourites and I was hoping for lots of flowers. Have I done something wrong?

#2 · 1st July 2024, 2:37 pm

Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 1st July 2024, 2:37 pm
Hi @my-tiny-garden
Please don't panic with your Geums; they are one of the most indestructible herbaceous perennials ever.
What you're probably experiencing is a mix of transplant stress and our weird wet then heat wave weather at the moment. Hence the bugs failing to open on the flowering one and then none at all on Totally Tangerine.
You may find that Totally Tangerine suddenly flowers in September, as I often get two or three flushes throughout the year. So practice that lovely gardening patience, and you should be right!
For other Ninjas below are some tips for growing Geums which are slugproof usually and great beginner plant for year round colour!
Geums, also known as avens, are versatile and hardy perennials that are relatively easy to grow. Here are the ideal conditions they prefer:
1. Sunlight
Full Sun to Partial Shade. Geums thrive best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. In regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
2. Soil
Well-Draining Soil: Geums prefer well-draining soil. They do not tolerate waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Soil Type: They grow well in a variety of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay, as long as they are well-draining.
pH Level: Geums prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). To be frank, other than heavy clay, they grow anywhere!
3. Watering
Geums need regular watering, particularly during their establishment period of the first 4 weeks and in dry weather. But after a year, one shouldn't need any real additional watering apart from in heatwaves.
https://youtu.be/1aHt_-WGCPs
4. Temperature and Climate
Hardiness. Geums are generally hardy in USDA zones 5-9, which translates well to much of the UK climate. They can tolerate cold winters but may require some protection in areas with harsh winters.
They prefer cooler temperatures and may struggle in excessively hot and dry conditions without adequate moisture and some shade.
5. Fertilizing
Other than a mulch every few years, Geums need NO FERTILIZER, so don't waste your precious money or resources!
6. Planting and Spacing
Plant geums about 12-18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and to prevent fungal diseases. Plant at the same depth as they were in their original pots, ensuring the crown is just above the soil level.
7. Maintenance
Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring or autumn to rejuvenate the plants and promote vigorous growth.
https://youtu.be/Dv3mhh1eFFc
All the best
Lee Garden Ninja

Hi @my-tiny-garden

Please don't panic with your Geums; they are one of the most indestructible herbaceous perennials ever.

What you're probably experiencing is a mix of transplant stress and our weird wet then heat wave weather at the moment. Hence the bugs failing to open on the flowering one and then none at all on Totally Tangerine.

You may find that Totally Tangerine suddenly flowers in September, as I often get two or three flushes throughout the year. So practice that lovely gardening patience, and you should be right!

For other Ninjas below are some tips for growing Geums which are slugproof usually and great beginner plant for year round colour!

Geums, also known as avens, are versatile and hardy perennials that are relatively easy to grow. Here are the ideal conditions they prefer:

1. Sunlight

Full Sun to Partial Shade. Geums thrive best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. In regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.

2. Soil

Well-Draining Soil: Geums prefer well-draining soil. They do not tolerate waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.

Soil Type: They grow well in a variety of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay, as long as they are well-draining.

pH Level: Geums prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). To be frank, other than heavy clay, they grow anywhere!

3. Watering

Geums need regular watering, particularly during their establishment period of the first 4 weeks and in dry weather. But after a year, one shouldn't need any real additional watering apart from in heatwaves.

4. Temperature and Climate

Hardiness. Geums are generally hardy in USDA zones 5-9, which translates well to much of the UK climate. They can tolerate cold winters but may require some protection in areas with harsh winters.

They prefer cooler temperatures and may struggle in excessively hot and dry conditions without adequate moisture and some shade.

5. Fertilizing

Other than a mulch every few years, Geums need NO FERTILIZER, so don't waste your precious money or resources!

6. Planting and Spacing

Plant geums about 12-18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and to prevent fungal diseases. Plant at the same depth as they were in their original pots, ensuring the crown is just above the soil level.

7. Maintenance

Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.

Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring or autumn to rejuvenate the plants and promote vigorous growth.

All the best

Lee Garden Ninja

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