Avens 'Scarlet Tempest' Geum Scarlet Tempest = 'Macgeu001' (PBR) (Tempest Series)
ABOUT
[Scarlet Tempest] produces a basal clump of mid green leaves and large, double, apricot-flushed scarlet red flowers held above on sturdy stems. The first flush of flowers appear in mid spring and then over a long period from summer to autumn
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Avens, Scarlet Tempest Geum
Common names
Geum Scarlet Tempest = 'Macgeu001' (PBR) (Tempest Series).
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Easy to Grow – The Geum Scarlet Tempest is known for its ease of cultivation, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Long Flowering Period – This variety boasts a long flowering season, often from late spring through summer, providing consistent color.
- Attracts Pollinators – With vibrant flowers, it is an excellent plant for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Drought Tolerant – Once established, it has good tolerance to dry conditions, making it suitable for gardens with limited water availability.
- Herbaceous Perennial – As a perennial, it returns year after year, providing a long-term presence in the garden.
- Colorful Blooms – The plant produces vivid scarlet flowers that can add a splash of color to any garden landscape.
- Cold Hardy – It is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Compact Habit – Its growth habit is relatively compact, making it a good choice for borders, beds, or small spaces.
- Landscape Versatility – The Geum Scarlet Tempest can be used in a variety of garden designs, including cottage gardens and modern landscapes.
- Deer Resistant – The plant is not favored by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with deer populations.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- The dried petals of the Geum Scarlet Tempest can be used to add a pop of natural color to homemade potpourris, offering a delicate fragrance when mixed with other dried flowers and spices.
- Because of its vibrant color, the petals can be used to create plant-based dyes for fabrics, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- The Geum Scarlet Tempest's aesthetic appeal can be utilized in edible landscaping, blending ornamental and functional gardening by adding visual interest to vegetable beds.
- Its stems can be included in natural art installations, where the bright flowers can be integrated into living walls or other artistic garden designs.
- The plant can be used as a natural border in gardens, with its compact growth habit and colorful blooms serving to delineate spaces or paths.
- The blooms are suitable for casual, cottage-style floral arrangements, providing a rustic charm to bouquets or table decorations.
- The leaves can be used in crafting, such as being pressed and incorporated into paper-making for a botanical touch to homemade papers.
- Photographers may use the Geum Scarlet Tempest as a subject for macro photography to capture the details of the flower and attract interest to natural-themed galleries.
- Gardeners might plant Geum Scarlet Tempest to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- The strong stems and vibrant blooms make the Geum Scarlet Tempest suitable for a 'cut-and-come-again' garden, where cutting flowers for arrangements encourages new blooms.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Avens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Avens is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Passion: The vibrant scarlet color of the Avens (Geum 'Scarlet Tempest') often symbolizes strong emotions and desire, reflecting its intense hue and lively appearance.
- Vitality: This hardy perennial, with its resilient growth and summer-long blooms, can represent life, energy, and good health.
- Water
The Avens 'Scarlet Tempest' prefers consistently moist but well-draining soil, meaning it should be watered whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this translates to watering about once a week, though the frequency may increase during hot, dry periods or decrease during cooler, rainy weeks. A deep watering method is best, which means slowly adding water until it begins to run out the bottom of the pot, ensuring the root zone is adequately moistened. When grown in garden beds, approximately one gallon per plant, per watering session should suffice, adjusting for weather conditions and the plant's established size.
- Light
Avens 'Scarlet Tempest' thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. A location that receives a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for promoting prolific flowering. If grown indoors, a south-facing window may provide the right amount of light, or supplemented light with a grow lamp for darker areas. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little light may result in fewer blooms and a leggy growth habit.
- Temperature
Avens 'Scarlet Tempest' performs well in a range of temperatures typical of temperate climates, generally between 60°F and 75°F. It's hardy and can survive brief periods of temperatures down to about -20°F, but hot temperatures above 85°F for extended periods may stress the plant. The ideal temperature for robust growth and flowering is within the mentioned range, avoiding the extremes.
- Pruning
Pruning the Avens 'Scarlet Tempest' is essential for encouraging a second bloom and maintaining an attractive form. After the first flush of flowers has finished, cut back the stems by about half to promote new growth and additional blooms. Deadheading spent flowers regularly will also encourage further blooming throughout the season. Best pruning time is late summer after the second bloom, or as needed to remove dead or damaged foliage.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for the Avens (Geum Scarlet Tempest) should be well-draining and fertile, with added organic matter such as compost. Loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 is ideal for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Avens (Geum Scarlet Tempest) typically do not require frequent repotting and can thrive outdoors; repot every 2-3 years if grown in containers to refresh the soil.
- Humidity & Misting
Avens (Geum Scarlet Tempest) prefer average garden humidity and do not require special humidity conditions; they are adaptable to outdoor environments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light, cool temperatures, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Geum 'Scarlet Tempest' begins its lifecycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-draining soil, preferably in early spring or through division of mature plants. After germination, the seedling phase involves the development of true leaves and root systems. The vegetative stage ensues, characterized by the growth of foliage and the establishment of a strong root system. During the flowering stage, typically from late spring to early summer, the plant produces vibrant, red-orange flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit that contains seeds, which can disperse to begin the next generation. The plant may enter a period of dormancy in the winter, particularly in cooler climates, before resuming growth in the spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Geum Scarlet Tempest can be propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. It is best to undertake division during the cooler seasons, either early spring or early fall, to allow the plant to establish roots without the stress of high summer temperatures. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established Geum Scarlet Tempest, making sure to keep a generous amount of soil around the roots. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the plant into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing originally, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to ensure adequate room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions generously to help establish them. This method allows the plants to recover quickly and continue blooming without significant interruption.