Geum 'Totally Tangerine' — The Chelsea Hero That Garden Designers Can't Get Enough Of
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If you've spent any time at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show over the past decade, the chances are you've already fallen for Geum 'Totally Tangerine'. Masses of single, soft tangerine flowers with gently scalloped petals dance on fuzzy stems above hairy, mid-green basal leaves — and they keep on coming from early May right through into autumn, stopped only by the first frosts.
As the Daily Telegraph put it in April 2015: "Garden designers can't get enough of this plant. A Chelsea hero!"
A Hardy's Introduction
Bred by Tim Crowther of Walberton Plants in the UK and introduced by Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2010, 'Totally Tangerine' has become one of the most sought-after perennials of recent years and a Chelsea stalwart, celebrated for its reliable and prolific flowering. It is protected by EU and UK Plant Variety Rights (PVR).
You may also have noticed it mentioned alongside our own Oenothera 'Rosyjane' in Gardens Illustrated in 2014, where both plants were cited as prime examples of Rosy Hardy's discerning eye for exceptional garden performers.
In Rosy's Own Words
"Sometimes there are plants that stop you in your tracks and go on to inspire garden designers to adopt them as signature plants — and that's what happened with the brilliant orange geum that we knew was a winner. Plant breeder Tim Crowther had set out to develop a compact range of plants that could be used in other crosses. Most of the resulting seedlings were dull and not at all what Tim had hoped for — but one of them ended up becoming Totally Tangerine: a tall-growing, sterile plant."
— Rosy Hardy
Why It's Special
'Totally Tangerine' is sterile — meaning it puts all its energy into flowering rather than setting seed. The result is one of the longest flowering seasons of any perennial at the nursery, performing continuously from early May into autumn. Simply remove stems that stop flowering altogether to encourage fresh new growth and keep the display going.
- Flowering time: May to autumn (until first frosts)
- Height × Spread: 90cm × 50cm
- Foliage: Hairy, mid-green basal leaves
- Habit: Low rosette of leaves with tall, airy branching stems
- Origin: Bred in the UK
- Protection: EU and UK PVR granted
In the Border
This very adaptable Geum combines well with so many colours, enhancing the mood of the planting. Try it with blues, yellows, whites, reds, purples — go on, try it with everything. It works in formal and informal borders alike, and as it grows taller through the season it weaves through neighbouring plants with real elegance.
Growing Tips
- Soil: Free-draining — this fast-growing plant flourishes with good drainage
- Aspect: Full sun preferred; tolerates light shade but flowers most prolifically in a sunny position
- Maintenance: Remove stems that stop flowering to encourage new growth; divide every few years to maintain vigour
- Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK
- Availability: Grown at our Hampshire nursery and available by mail order across the UK
Awards & Recognition
- Introduced at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2010
- RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)
- Featured as a Chelsea hero by the Daily Telegraph, April 2015
- Protected by EU and UK Plant Variety Rights (PVR)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Geum 'Totally Tangerine' so popular with garden designers?
Its exceptionally long flowering season, bold tangerine colour, and robust garden performance make it incredibly versatile. It works in formal and informal borders alike and combines beautifully with almost any colour.
How tall does Geum 'Totally Tangerine' grow?
It reaches 90cm in height with a spread of 50cm, rising from a low rosette of leaves on tall, airy branching stems.
Does Geum 'Totally Tangerine' spread by seed?
No — 'Totally Tangerine' is sterile, which is one of the reasons it flowers so prolifically and for so long. Simply remove stems that stop flowering to encourage fresh new growth.
When does Geum 'Totally Tangerine' flower?
From early May right through into autumn — one of the longest flowering seasons of any perennial at the nursery, stopped only by the first frosts.
Does Geum 'Totally Tangerine' grow in sun or shade?
It performs best in full sun, which encourages the most prolific flowering. It will tolerate light shade but may flower less freely in shadier positions.
Who bred Geum 'Totally Tangerine'?
It was bred by Tim Crowther of Walberton Plants in the UK and introduced by Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2010.
Available by mail order across the UK, or come and visit us at our Hampshire nursery.