Geum 'Fire Opal'

Geums are familiar favourites in herbaceous borders, although they also work well in larger rock gardens, developing into clumps of neat, dense foliage. They need a little space for their flowers, which tend to be produced on long, spreading stems.

Geum 'Fire Opal' bears clusters of large, double, orange-red smudged flowers that bring heat to early summer borders well before most of the other brightly coloured border plants get going. They contrast perfectly with other brightly coloured flowers such as speedwell (pictured). It's perfect for growing in sunny or partially shaded borders, and makes a beautiful cut flower.

For best results, grow Geum 'Fire Opal' in a cooler part of the garden, in well-drained soil. Divide plants in autumn or spring every two to three years. It can grow quite tall and may need staking as summer progresses. Cut back plants to the ground after flowering when the foliage has died back.