Geum coccineum 'Pumpkin Orange'

• Attracts: Bees and butterflies are drawn to the brightly colored flowers, making it an excellent pollinator-friendly choice.
• Wildlife Resistant: Deer and rabbits usually avoid Geum, making it ideal for gardens with wildlife challenges.

• Foliage Season: Spring to fall, with lush green leaves.
• Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer (May to June), with occasional reblooming in late summer.
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8

• Borders and edging
• Rock gardens
• Pollinator gardens
• Containers
• Cottage gardens

• Color: Bright green.
• Form: Basal, deeply lobed leaves that are toothed and slightly hairy, forming a neat mound.
• Fall Color: Leaves typically remain green until frost.

• Color: Bright, pumpkin-orange flowers with a slightly ruffled appearance.
• Form: Cup-shaped flowers about 1.5 inches across, with five petals surrounding a cluster of yellow stamens.
• Bloom Time: Blooms from late spring to early summer, with possible reblooming in cool summer climates.
• Fragrance: Not fragrant, but visually striking.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are cooler.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. It thrives in neutral to slightly acidic soils (pH 6.0-7.0). Avoid heavy clay or overly wet areas.
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.
• Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for airflow and mature growth.

• Timing: Deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming season to encourage continued flowering.
• Method: Cut back flower stems after blooming to promote fresh growth. Trim the entire plant back to the basal foliage in late fall or early spring to maintain a tidy appearance.

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. After that, Geum can tolerate short dry spells but prefers consistent moisture.
• Soil Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in hot, dry conditions. Avoid waterlogged soil, as this can lead to root rot.

Prefers full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent wilting and promote longer blooming.

– Best time to harvest: Morning, just as flowers begin to fully open

– Cutting tips: Use sharp, clean snips; harvest long stems with buds for extended vase life

– Vase life: Typically 5–7 days if conditioned properly

– Post-harvest care: Strip lower leaves and place stems in cool water immediately

– Repeat harvesting: Encourages continued blooming and neat appearance

• Fertilization Time: Apply fertilizer in early spring and again after the first flush of blooms.
• Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost to boost growth and blooming. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Drought Tolerance: While somewhat drought-tolerant once established, Geum prefers regular watering in dry periods to keep the plant lush and flowering.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free, but watch for aphids or powdery mildew in overly wet conditions. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

• Pollination Type: Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other insects.
• Seed Production: If deadheading is not done, the plant may produce seeds that can self-sow, though it is not highly invasive.

Geum 'Pumpkin Orange' is a compact perennial with vivid orange blooms in late spring to early summer. It pairs best with plants that enjoy full sun to part shade and moderately moist, well-drained soil.

– Salvia nemorosa – Spiky purple-blue blooms contrast beautifully with the warm orange flowers

– Nepeta (Catmint) – Silvery foliage and lavender-blue flowers provide a soft background

– Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' or 'Moonbeam' – Airy yellow daisy-like flowers pair well with Geum’s saturated tones

– Geranium ‘Rozanne’ or sanguineum – Mounding habit and violet-blue flowers fill in spaces around Geum

– Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Adds colorful foliage contrast at the base

– Aquilegia (Columbine) – Early-season bloom overlap and soft flower forms complement Geum

– Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle) – Chartreuse flowers and scalloped foliage contrast beautifully with orange blooms

– Dianthus (Pinks) – Neat clumps with pink or red blooms and gray-green foliage work well in sunny borders

– Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft) – White, low-growing spring bloomer that offsets Geum’s fiery flowers

– Ornamental grasses (e.g., Festuca glauca) – Cool-toned grasses create texture and color contrast