Avens Geum 'Blazing Sunset' (d)

Water

Avens, commonly known as 'Blazing Sunset', should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Apply approximately one to two gallons of water per plant, depending on the size and the soil's ability to retain moisture. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant, allowing the soil to absorb moisture directly. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant's growth slows down.

Light

Avens prefer full sun to partial shade, thriving best in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. A spot that offers morning sunlight and some afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates. Ensure the plant is not shaded by taller plants or structures to keep it healthy and blooming.

Temperature

'Blazing Sunset' Avens flourish in a range of temperatures, tolerating a minimum of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but cannot withstand prolonged periods of extreme cold. They perform best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can handle heat well but may require additional watering and protection from the hottest afternoon sun in areas where temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning Avens, like 'Blazing Sunset', encourages a tidier plant and may lead to more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut back the foliage in late fall or early spring to maintain shape and encourage healthy new growth. The best time for pruning is after the main blooming cycle has finished.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Avens 'Blazing Sunset' thrives best in a well-draining, fertile loam with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of two-thirds garden soil and one-third compost or well-rotted manure will enrich the soil and improve drainage.

Repotting

Avens 'Blazing Sunset' does not typically require frequent repotting as it is a hardy perennial. Repotting can be done every 3-4 years or when the plant outgrows its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Avens 'Blazing Sunset' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found in an outdoor garden environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light, ensure proper drainage.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun to partial shade with good soil drainage.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The 'Blazing Sunset' avens begins its life cycle with seed germination in spring, where the seeds require light to germinate and can be sown on the surface of the soil. Following germination, seedlings grow to establish a root system and foliage, thriving best in well-drained soils with full to partial sun exposure. As the plant matures, it forms a low-growing, mounded clump of hairy, pinnate, green leaves from which tall, wiry stems rise, bearing semi-double to fully double, fiery red flowers from late spring to early summer. After flowering, if the spent blooms are not deadheaded, the plant may set seed, which can self-sow under optimal conditions. In the autumn, 'Blazing Sunset' avens enters a period of dormancy, with the foliage dying back as temperatures drop. The plant resumes growth from its perennial rootstock with the return of warmer weather in the following spring, completing the cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-summer

• The Geum 'Blazing Sunset', often referred to as the Avens 'Blazing Sunset', is commonly propagated through division, which is both efficient and simple. The best time for this process is in early spring or autumn when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully lift the entire plant out of the ground using a spade or fork, ensuring you preserve as much of the root system as possible. Gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, making sure each clump has a good portion of roots and a few shoots. Replant the divisions promptly at the same depth they were originally growing and water them well to help establish them. Each newly planted clump will grow into a separate plant, mirroring the characteristics of the original Avens 'Blazing Sunset'.