Geum ‘Apricot Pearl’ is a favored perennial, celebrated for its distinctive apricot-orange blooms. This cultivar, part of the Censation Series, presents semi-double, bowl-shaped flowers, often flushed with delicate pink, that emerge from late spring into early summer. Its mound-forming habit and semi-evergreen to evergreen foliage makes it a versatile choice for various garden designs, from cottage gardens to rockeries or container plantings.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Geum ‘Apricot Pearl’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, afternoon shade helps prevent wilting and promotes healthier growth.
The plant requires fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. It tolerates various soil types, including chalky, loamy, and sandy, and adapts to acidic, alkaline, or neutral pH levels. Good drainage is important, as waterlogged soil, especially during winter, can be detrimental. This perennial is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, tolerating temperatures down to approximately -20°F to -10°F.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, consistent care helps Geum ‘Apricot Pearl’ maintain vigor and prolong its bloom. The plant prefers uniformly moist soil, so regular watering is necessary, particularly during dry or hot periods. While they need consistent moisture, overwatering should be avoided to prevent root issues, as they do not thrive in perpetually wet conditions.
Geum ‘Apricot Pearl’ benefits from moderate fertility. A single annual application of a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring is sufficient. Incorporating organic compost or manure into the soil at planting or as a spring top-dressing also provides nutrients. Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms and extends the flowering period. However, ‘Apricot Pearl’ has sterile blooms, which naturally prolongs flowering and may reduce the need for diligent deadheading.
Pruning involves cutting back old flower stems after blooming to the highest new bud or to the base. This redirects the plant’s energy towards new growth and continued flowering. In colder regions, apply winter mulch for protection, removing it in early spring before new growth begins.
Propagating Geum ‘Apricot Pearl’
Division is the most effective method for propagating Geum ‘Apricot Pearl’. This involves separating a mature plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and foliage. Division is best performed in autumn or early spring, before the plant’s active growing phase.
To divide, dig around the plant, lift the clump, and gently pull or cut it into smaller pieces, ensuring each new section has healthy roots and shoots. Replant these divisions at the same depth as the original plant. While Geum can be grown from seed, ‘Apricot Pearl’ is a cultivated variety, so seeds may not produce identical plants, making division the preferred method to maintain its specific characteristics.
Addressing Common Problems
Geum ‘Apricot Pearl’ is generally robust, but like all plants, it can encounter issues. Pests like aphids, glasshouse red spider mites, and leaf miners may occasionally affect foliage. Regular monitoring allows for early detection and treatment, often with insecticidal soaps or by encouraging natural predators.
Diseases such as powdery mildew can occur, particularly with poor air circulation or extended dampness. Proper plant spacing and watering at the base, rather than overhead, help prevent fungal issues. A lack of blooms often indicates insufficient sunlight or nutrients, which can be addressed by adjusting location or providing fertilization. Leggy growth may also indicate a need for more light or can be managed by strategic pruning for a more compact form.