Geum 'Scarlet Tempest' ®

Overview and Description

Geum 'Scarlet Tempest'® is a standout perennial known for its vibrant scarlet-orange semi-double flowers and long flowering season. A hybrid between Geum chiloense and Geum rivale, it was bred for improved colour, stronger stems, and repeat blooming. It creates bold impact in borders, pollinator-friendly gardens, and mixed perennial schemes.

Bred by Elizabeth MacGregor in Scotland, 'Scarlet Tempest' is celebrated for its early flowering and excellent resistance to poor weather, making it an ideal choice for UK gardens.

• Botanical Name: Geum 'Scarlet Tempest'®

• Common Name: Avens 'Scarlet Tempest'

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial

• Family: Rosaceae

• Height & Spread: 30–45 cm tall × 40–60 cm wide

• Flowers: Semi-double, vivid scarlet-orange with golden centres

• Foliage: Deep green, textured, scalloped leaves

• Flowering Period: April to July (often with a second flush in late summer)

• Habit: Clump-forming, upright flowering stems

• Hardiness: Fully hardy (H7; -20°C or lower)

Ideal Growing Conditions

Light

• Prefers full sun, which promotes the best flowering

• Will tolerate partial shade, though flowering may be reduced

• Needs at least 4–6 hours of sunlight per day for reliable performance

Soil

• Grows best in moist, fertile, well-drained soil

• Can tolerate clay, loam, or chalky soils if not waterlogged

• Prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions

• Enrich with compost or organic matter in spring

Watering, Feeding & Maintenance

Watering

• Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells

• Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially in containers

• Apply a mulch in spring to help retain soil moisture

Feeding

• Feed in early spring with a balanced fertiliser to encourage new growth and blooms

• A liquid feed every few weeks during the flowering period can boost performance

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers that promote leafy growth over flowers

General Maintenance

• Deadhead regularly to encourage repeat blooming and maintain a neat look

• Cut back faded flower stems in midsummer to promote a second flush

• Divide clumps every 3–4 years in autumn or early spring to reinvigorate the plant and maintain vigour

• Remove dead or damaged foliage in winter or early spring

Garden Uses and Combinations

‘Scarlet Tempest’ offers eye-catching colour early in the season and blends well with a wide variety of border perennials and ornamental grasses.

Best Uses

• Front or mid-border displays in mixed beds

• Cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and naturalistic schemes

• Containers and raised beds

• Underplanting for shrubs or roses

Companion Plants

• Pair with other spring/summer favourites like Nepeta, Salvia nemorosa, or Geranium 'Rozanne'

• Combine with Allium, Astrantia, and Aquilegia for textural contrast

• For long flowering borders, mix with Coreopsis, Echinacea, or Rudbeckia

Key Features and Selling Points

• Brilliant scarlet-orange blooms provide early and lasting colour

• Very long flowering season, often from April into July and again in late summer

• Excellent for bees and pollinators

• Compact and tidy habit fits in small gardens and containers

• Strong, weather-resistant stems that don’t require staking

• Hardy and easy to grow with minimal maintenance

• Award-winning—Royal Horticultural Society AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.