UK pruning guide · RHS timing
When to prune geum 'scarlet tempest' in the UK
Why the timing differs here
For shrubs that flower on the current season's growth, the RHS times pruning to early or mid spring — after severe weather has passed and once the growth buds begin to swell. In Britain that is usually March into April rather than the February common in warmer regions; prune too early and the new shoots meet a late frost.
How to prune geum 'scarlet tempest'
Cut individual spent stems back to the leafy basal mound. For the hard cutback, reduce all growth to 5–10 cm above ground level, then water and feed to support regrowth.
Geum 'Scarlet Tempest' is a repeat-flowering cultivar that rewards regular deadheading throughout its long season. Remove spent stems to the basal rosette to encourage continued blooming. Cut the whole plant back after the main flush fades to promote a second wave. Divide every 2–3 years to keep it flowering well.
More geum 'scarlet tempest' care for British gardens
Care at a glance
Pruning geum 'scarlet tempest' in the UK — FAQ
When should I prune geum 'scarlet tempest' in the UK?
Prune geum 'scarlet tempest' in early to mid spring. For shrubs that flower on the current season's growth, the RHS times pruning to early or mid spring — after severe weather has passed and once the growth buds begin to swell. In Britain that is usually March into April rather than the February common in warmer regions; prune too early and the new shoots meet a late frost.
Is it illegal to prune geum 'scarlet tempest' in spring or summer in the UK?
There is no nesting-bird restriction that realistically applies to geum 'scarlet tempest', since birds do not nest in it. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 still protects any active nest you do find anywhere in the garden — the rule is about the nest, not the plant.
How do you prune geum 'scarlet tempest'?
Cut individual spent stems back to the leafy basal mound. For the hard cutback, reduce all growth to 5–10 cm above ground level, then water and feed to support regrowth.
How often does geum 'scarlet tempest' need pruning in a British garden?
Deadhead weekly during flowering; one hard cutback mid-season. Geum 'Scarlet Tempest' is a repeat-flowering cultivar that rewards regular deadheading throughout its long season. Remove spent stems to the basal rosette to encourage continued blooming. Cut the whole plant back after the main flush fades to promote a second wave. Divide every 2–3 years to keep it flowering well.
Why is UK pruning timing different from American advice?
Most pruning guides online are written for US conditions and anchored to USDA zones. Britain's maritime climate gives milder winters but later, less predictable last frosts — from March in the south-west to mid-May in the north — so the RHS advises against winter pruning for most plants: it pushes out soft growth that a late frost then kills. Britain also has the nesting-bird law, which has no US equivalent.