Geum Coral Tempest

Geum 'Coral Tempest' is a new creation that combines many qualities. It stands out with its generous and long-lasting flowering until the end of summer, as well as the superb orange-coral and salmon-pink colour of its semi-double corollas. Its flowers sway on sturdy and ramified stems that do not require staking. Its abundant foliage, with a vibrant green colour, perfectly highlights its dazzling flowering. This hardy and carefree perennial works wonders in flower beds. 

Geum are hardy herbaceous perennials from the Rosaceae family. They are native to temperate or colder regions of the northern and southern hemispheres. When crossed with each other, they have given rise to numerous hybrids, including 'Coral Tempest', which follows the famous 'Scarlet Tempest'. Both varieties were selected by Elizabeth MacGregor in Scotland. 'Coral Tempest' is compact and bushy, measuring 50cm (20in) in height and about 40cm (16in) in width. It forms a clump and develops erect, semi-evergreen basal leaves, with a fairly deep but vibrant green colour. The leaves are irregular and finely velvety, measuring 10cm (4in) long and wide. This avens displays several semi-double cup-shaped flowers on thin ramified stems. The first ones to bloom, in May-June, measure 6.5cm (3in) in diameter. Once the flowering is well underway, the abundant corollas are slightly smaller, measuring 5.5cm (2in) in diameter. The flowering slows down from mid-July to mid-August, then resumes from September to October. The flowers are composed of slightly translucent petals, animated by visible veins and enhanced by a large heart of prominent yellow stamens. Like many perennials with a long flowering period, it does not have a very long lifespan, so it is advisable to divide it every three years in order to keep it in the garden for a long time. This sterile variety does not produce seeds, which explains its exceptional floribundity. 

Hardy and very floriferous, it is an easy, accommodating plant. It appreciates sunny or partially shaded situations and grows in ordinary, moist but well-drained soil. To fully enjoy its magnificent flowering, plant 'Coral Tempest' on the edges of flower beds, mixed borders, rockeries, or even in pots. Its flower spikes will make magnificent bouquets. It requires some space to grow well, so make sure to leave room around its base. It will blend beautifully with other spring or summer flowering perennials. In semi-shade, it will go well with meadow rues, lady's mantles, spurges, grasses, and asters. You can create sublime scenes with vibrant colours by mixing several varieties of avens together. In full sun, it will perfectly complement rudbeckias, scabious, and hardy geraniums.