If you are looking for some striking colour in the garden for mid to late summer, Crocosmia are the perfect plants. Also known as montbretia, these hardy, perennial plants that are grown from corms, have fiery red, orange or yellow flowers. From sword-shaped leaves, upright, arching stems emerge carrying small, funnel-shaped flowers that open in succession. Most have green foliage, but in some varieties, it is bronze tinted.
Crocosmia are easy to grow and prefer a position in full sun, although they will grow in dappled or light shade. They won’t flower well in deep shade. They require moist, well drained soil, and if growing on heavier soil such as clay, grit should be added to improve drainage. In very dry soil, their growth may be stunted. They prefer to grow in the ground rather than in pots but work well in both traditional or contemporary planting schemes. Crocosmia lend themselves to prairie or drift planting displays alongside ornamental grasses where they will sway in the wind and contrast in structure to the daisy-like flowers of helenium, rudbeckias and echinaceas. In more traditional gardens they combine well with salvias, dahlias and cannas for a vibrant late summer display. They will also attract bees and other pollinating insects.
Dry corms should be planted in spring, or potted plants can be planted at any time so long as they are watered well until established. As they grow, they will produce dense clumps which should be lifted and divided every 3 to 5 years. Leave the foliage to die back naturally after flowering to replenish the corms for the following year. They are deciduous so all dead leaves and stems can be removed in the early winter, and new shoots will emerge in spring.
One of the most popular and spectacular varieties is Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ which can grow up to 1.5 metres tall and has deep red stems and large scarlet flowers. Crocosmia ‘George Davison’ is a medium height (70-90cm) variety with amber-yellow flowers. One of my favourites is medium height Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ with its large, vivid orange flowers marked with a mahogany ring in the centre.
One of Wendy’s favourites Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’
For a vibrant yellow, choose Crocosmia ‘Columbus’ with bright golden-yellow flowers with contrasting dark reddish-brown buds, growing to approximately 90cm. Crocosmia ‘Babylon’ has large orange-red flowers with dark rings and golden throats.
Whether you are looking to brighten a sunny border, attract pollinators or enjoy vibrant cut flowers throughout late summer, crocosmia is a rewarding addition to the garden.
