Geum ‘Alabama Slammer’ is a vibrant perennial, celebrated for its eye-catching flowers and dependable hardiness. This cultivar offers a burst of color and lively presence, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking beauty and resilience. Its straightforward care contributes to its widespread appeal.
Understanding Geum ‘Alabama Slammer’
Geum ‘Alabama Slammer’ is a distinctive garden favorite. Its flowers are typically medium-sized, about 1 inch across, with some reaching up to 2 inches. These semi-double to single blooms feature ruffled petals in striking shades of gold with fiery orange-red markings, sometimes appearing as golden orange flushed with red.
Vibrant flowers emerge on slender, sparsely leafed burgundy stems, rising above a dense clump of glossy, light green foliage. The plant forms a compact mound, typically reaching 10-14 inches in height and 10-12 inches in width. It blooms profusely from late spring into early summer and is part of the “Cocktail Series,” known for its vigor.
Essential Growing Conditions
Geum ‘Alabama Slammer’ thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. In hotter, more humid climates, providing afternoon shade prevents wilting and stress.
The plant prefers average, medium moisture, well-drained, and fertile soils. It adapts to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay, but proper drainage is paramount to prevent root rot. Incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure into heavier clay soils improves drainage and fertility. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, typically between 6.0 and 7.0. Geum ‘Alabama Slammer’ is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9.
Planting and Ongoing Care
The best times for planting Geum ‘Alabama Slammer’ are generally in spring or fall. Space individual plants approximately 12 to 18 inches apart. After planting, thorough watering is important to help settle the soil around the roots.
Once established, Geum ‘Alabama Slammer’ benefits from consistent moisture, though it can tolerate moderately dry conditions. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent over-saturation. Applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring promotes healthy growth and abundant blooms without excessive foliage. Regular deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers, encourages more blooms and extends the flowering season. Cutting back flowering stems after the main bloom period rejuvenates foliage and maintains tidiness.
To maintain vigor and prevent the plant from becoming woody in the center, divide clumps every two to four years in spring or fall. This cultivar is generally resistant to common pests and diseases, including deer and rabbits. Occasional issues like sawfly larvae, aphids, or powdery mildew may occur, which can often be mitigated by ensuring good air circulation.
Design and Companions
Geum ‘Alabama Slammer’ offers versatility in garden design, suitable for various landscape applications. Its compact, mounding habit and vivid flower color make it an excellent choice for perennial borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and containers. Mass plantings create a striking visual impact, especially at the front of borders.
Selecting companion plants that complement its form and vibrant hues enhances its aesthetic appeal. Plants like Salvia and Echinacea provide contrasting vertical elements and daisy-like blooms, creating dynamic texture and color combinations. Other suitable companions include Coreopsis, which offers a continuous display of yellow flowers, and Achillea, known for its clusters of long-lasting blooms and similar drought tolerance. Ornamental grasses or dark-leaved Heuchera provide a textural backdrop, while lavender adds fragrance and complementary color. The bright flowers also attract pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens. Its long, wiry stems make it a good candidate for cut flower arrangements.