Geum Fiery Tempest

Geum Fiery Tempest is another excellent hybrid variety, similar to the now famous 'Scarlet Tempest'. This one has very pretty semi-double flowers in a superb scarlet red. Like its sisters, it offers a generous flowering, but above all a long-lasting flowering until the end of summer. Its flowers sway on slender but strong and ramified stems, which do not need staking. Its abundant vivid green foliage perfectly enhances its dazzling flowering. The Tempest Series of avens are excellent perennials for the garden or patio. 

Geum are hardy herbaceous perennials of the Rosaceae family, originating from temperate or colder regions of the northern and southern hemispheres. Crossed with each other, they have given rise to numerous hybrids, including 'Tempest', selected by Elizabeth MacGregor in Scotland. Fiery Tempest is a compact and bushy variety that measures 50cm (20in) in height and about 40cm (16in) in width. It forms a clump and develops upright, semi-evergreen basal leaves, of a fairly deep but bright green. They are irregular and finely velvety, measuring 10cm (4in) long and wide. On slender ramified upright stems above the foliage, it produces cymes bearing several semi-double cup-shaped flowers. Those that bloom first, 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 a bit between mid-July and mid-August, then resumes until October. The flowers are composed of slightly translucent red petals, animated by clearly visible veins and enhanced by a large heart of prominent yellow stamens. Like many long-flowering perennials, it does not have a very long lifespan, so it is advisable to divide it every three years to avoid losing the plant. This sterile variety does not produce seeds. 

Hardy and floriferous, it is an easy and accommodating plant. It appreciates sunny or semi-shaded situations and grows in ordinary, moist, but well-drained soil. To fully enjoy its magnificent flowering, plant Fiery Tempest at the edge of borders, flower beds, mixed borders, in rockeries or even in pots. Its floral stems 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 perennials with spring, summer or even autumn flowering. In semi-shade, it will go well with meadowsweets, lady's mantles, spurges, grasses, and asters. You can create sublime scenes with vibrant colours by mixing several varieties of avens together. In the sun, it will perfectly complement rudbeckias, scabious, and hardy geraniums.