How to Grow Geum Totally Tangerine

Geum Totally Tangerine

Geum coccineum 'Totally Tangerine'

flower

Totally Tangerine is a vibrant perennial geranium known for its striking double flowers in a warm tangerine-orange color. This compact, clump-forming plant produces blooms from late spring through summer and attracts pollinators while remaining relatively deer-resistant. It's an excellent choice for borders, containers, and cottage gardens.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering

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Water: Moderate moisture; water regularly during growing season keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Drought-tolerant once established; reduce watering in winter dormancy.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: Blooms appear 8-12 weeks from transplant; reaches mature size in 2-3 seasons

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Planting depth: Plant crown at soil level; transplants should have top of root ball even with soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost peat moss or coir perlite or coarse sand for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-9; performs best in zones 5-8 with good air circulation

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Establishment

3-4 weeks

Young transplant with few leaves and limited root development

Plant in spring or early fall. Water thoroughly after planting. Mulch lightly around base (avoid crown). Keep soil consistently moist first 4-6 weeks.

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Plant develops basal rosette of lobed, hairy foliage; low mounding growth habit

Establish regular watering routine. Remove any damaged leaves. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Maintain good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Budding & Early Bloom

2-3 weeks

Wiry stems emerge from foliage with button-like buds forming in tangerine tones

Increase watering slightly as buds form. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Stake if needed in windy locations.

Peak Flowering

8-12 weeks

Full display of double tangerine-orange flowers on sturdy stems above foliage, attracting bees and butterflies

Deadhead regularly (every 2-3 days) to extend bloom period. Provide supplemental water during hot spells. Feed with low-nitrogen flowering fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.

Decline & Winter Dormancy

Ongoing through winter

Flowering slows as temperatures cool; foliage may persist or die back depending on zone and conditions

Reduce watering as growth slows. Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring (zone dependent). Mulch in colder zones for winter protection.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Salvia Nepeta (Catmint) Lavender Coreopsis Russian Sage Allium Dahlias Ornamental grasses

Avoid planting near:

Plants preferring consistently wet soil Dense shade trees that create competition Heavy feeders that may deplete nutrients

Common Pests

Hand-pick affected leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe; encourage beneficial predators
and
Remove hiding spots; use copper tape barriers; hand-pick at night; apply diatomaceous earth around base
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur dust or neem oil at first sign; remove affected leaves
Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if population builds

Uses

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Edible flowers for garnish

Culinary

Geum Totally Tangerine's vibrant tangerine double flowers are edible and make striking garnishes for salads, desserts, and beverages. The flowers have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and add visual appeal to gourmet dishes. [source]

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Traditional herbal remedies

Medicinal

Geum species have been used in traditional folk medicine for their purported astringent and anthelmintic properties. Historically used in herbal preparations and teas for digestive support. [source]

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Cut flowers and indoor arrangements

Household

The long-lasting double blooms in warm tangerine tones are excellent for fresh cut flower arrangements and bring cheerful color to indoor spaces for 7-10 days in water. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

Geum flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the long flowering season, supporting garden ecosystem health and improving fruit set in nearby plants. [source]

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Dried flower arrangements and pressing

Craft

The structured double flowers dry well and retain their color when pressed or air-dried, making them ideal for crafts, pressed flower art, and dried arrangements. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Geum flowers do not require traditional harvesting. Deadhead spent blooms regularly by pinching or cutting stems just below the flower to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut fresh flower stems in the morning for indoor arrangements, selecting stems with several open and partially opened flowers.

Fun Facts

🌱 Geum is derived from the Greek word 'geuein' meaning 'to give an agreeable flavor,' reflecting the plant's historical use in herbal beverages and medicinal preparations.
🌱 The 'Totally Tangerine' cultivar was bred for its exceptional double-flower form—each bloom contains many more petals than the wild species, creating a fuller, more ornamental appearance.
🌱 Geum flowers are particularly attractive to early-season pollinators and can bridge the gap between spring bulbs and summer bloomers, providing crucial food sources when other nectar is scarce.

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