Crocosmia

Crocosmia

Montbretia

• Position: full or partial shade
• Soil: humus-rich, well-drained soil
• Flowering period: July to September
• Height: 0,6-1,2m
• Foliage: deciduous
• Hardiness: needs winter protection in colder areas

Crocosmia is a great plant for bringing colour to the garden in mid-summer. This cormous perennial produces attractive sword-like leaves and funnel-shaped flowers on arching stems.

Crocosmia grows well in full sun or partial shade, in humus-rich, well-drained soil that doesn’t dry out.

Varieties

Crocosmia ‘Emily Mckenzie’

Crocosmia ‘Emily Mckenzie’ bears orange-red flowers with sword-shaped, mid-green leaves.

Crocosmia ‘Star of the East’

For bright, huge orange flowers try ‘Star of the East’.

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is a tall variety with sprays of fantastic tomato-red flowers. It will grow about 1,2m tall.

Crocosmia ‘Emily Mckenzie’                  Leaves of  Crocosmia ‘Emily Mckenzie’

How to plant crocosmia

Crocosmia is a cormous perennial. Plant crocosmia corms about 8-10cm deep below soil level in early spring. You can leave the corms in the ground to over-winter.

Pruning

When to prune Crocosmia ( Montbretia ). Cut back the flowered stems after flowering. Leave the foliage intact over the winter. It will provide a bit of winter protection.

Cut the dead foliage to ground level in spring.

Winter care

Crocosmia will need protection in winter in colder areas. Apply a thick layer of dry winter mulch around the base of the plant to protect from cold.

Dividing

How do you divide crocosmia. New corms form on the old ones. Dip up the clump and divide in spring. Best to use a strong fork. Replant the biggest corms about 8-10cm deep.

Plant combination

Crocosmia will look good with a range of partners such as Ornamental grasses, Helenium, Rudbeckia, and the Smoke Bush.

Helenium ‘Moerbei Beauty’