How to Grow Geum Totally Tangerine: Expert Tips for a Vibrant Garden!

Sun-kissed blooms and vibrant foliage – that’s what Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘ promises! This captivating plant, with its cheerful tangerine-orange flowers, is an absolute delight to grow. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, learning how to grow Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ is a journey filled with rewarding blooms.

A Closer Look at Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’

Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ is a captivating variety of the genus Geum, commonly known as Avens. This herbaceous perennial boasts a compact, mounding habit, reaching heights of 12-18 inches. Its star attraction is undoubtedly its vibrant, tangerine-orange flowers, which appear in abundance from late spring to early summer. The flowers are cup-shaped, with five petals and a prominent central boss of yellow stamens.

Choosing the Perfect Spot for Your ‘Totally Tangerine’

Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘ thrives in a sunny to partially shaded location. It prefers a spot that receives at least four hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some shade, it will produce more flowers in a sunny spot.

Soil Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success

Like most plants, Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘ performs best in well-drained soil. Avoid planting it in heavy clay soil, as it can lead to root rot. Here’s how to prepare the perfect soil:

• Amend the soil: If your soil is heavy, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and add nutrients.
• Test the pH: Geum prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0). You can use a soil testing kit to determine your soil’s pH and adjust it accordingly.
• Dig a planting hole: Dig a hole twice the width and depth of the root ball.

Planting Your Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’

Once you’ve prepared the soil, planting your Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘ is a straightforward process:

1. Gently loosen the roots: Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently loosen the roots.
2. Position the plant: Place the plant in the prepared hole, ensuring the crown (where the roots meet the stem) is at or slightly above soil level.
3. Backfill the hole: Carefully backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots.
4. Water thoroughly: Water the plant deeply to settle the roots and help it establish.

Watering Wisely: Keeping Your Geum Hydrated

Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘ prefers consistently moist soil but is also drought-tolerant once established. Here’s a watering guide:

• Water regularly: During the first few weeks after planting, water your Geum deeply every few days, especially during dry periods.
• Monitor the soil: Once established, water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Avoid overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains well.

Fertilizing: Nourishing Your ‘Totally Tangerine’

Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘ is a light feeder, but a little extra nourishment can boost its growth and flowering. Here’s a fertilizing plan:

• Early spring: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) around the base of the plant in early spring.
• Mid-summer: If needed, you can apply a light dose of fertilizer again in mid-summer during the peak flowering period.

Deadheading: Encouraging More Blooms

Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, is a crucial step in maximizing your Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘s bloom production.

• Regular deadheading: Regularly snip off the faded flowers, encouraging the plant to produce new blooms.
• Benefits of deadheading: Deadheading not only promotes more flowers but also helps prevent the plant from self-seeding.

Winter Care: Preparing Your Geum for Rest

Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘ is hardy and can withstand cold temperatures. However, it’s essential to protect it during the winter months:

• Cut back in fall: In late fall, cut back the foliage to about 2 inches above the ground.
• Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch (such as shredded bark or leaves) around the base of the plant to help insulate the roots and prevent frost heaving.

Beyond the Basics: Troubleshooting Common Issues

While Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘ is a relatively low-maintenance plant, you may encounter some common issues. Here’s a guide to tackling them:

• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can appear as a white powdery coating on the leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent it.
• Aphids: These tiny pests can suck sap from the leaves, causing damage. Use insecticidal soap or a strong blast of water to control them.
• Slugs and snails: These garden pests can devour your Geum’s foliage. Use diatomaceous earth or slug traps to deter them.

A Garden Treasure: More Than Just a Plant

Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ is more than just a plant; it’s a vibrant burst of color that adds a cheerful touch to any garden. Its compact size makes it perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers. It also attracts pollinators, making it a valuable addition to your pollinator-friendly garden.

Unveiling the Beauty: Enjoying Your ‘Totally Tangerine’

With its vibrant flowers and easy-going nature, Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ is a plant that brings joy to any gardener. As you learn how to grow Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ and witness its beauty unfolding, you’ll discover a plant that’s not just a garden staple but a true treasure.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Can Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘ be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘ is well-suited for container gardening. Choose a container with good drainage and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.

Q: How often should I deadhead my Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘?

A: Deadhead your Geum regularly, removing faded flowers as soon as they appear. This will encourage the plant to produce more blooms and prevent self-seeding.

Q: Is Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘ deer-resistant?

A: While Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘ is generally deer-resistant, deer may nibble on it if other food sources are scarce.

Q: When is the best time to divide Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘?

A: The best time to divide Geum ‘Totally Tangerine‘ is in early spring or late summer.