Overwintering guide
How to overwinter geum 'scarlet tempest'
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills geum 'scarlet tempest' in winter
Cutting geum 'scarlet tempest' hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More geum 'scarlet tempest' care
Overwintering geum 'scarlet tempest' — FAQ
Does geum 'scarlet tempest' need to come indoors for winter?
Geum 'Scarlet Tempest' is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5 — winter lows around -29°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Geum 'Scarlet Tempest' is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move geum 'scarlet tempest' for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water geum 'scarlet tempest' in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills geum 'scarlet tempest' over winter?
Cutting geum 'scarlet tempest' hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.