Bulbs
Crocosmia ' Lucifer ' . pic by : Walters Gardens , Inc.
One of the best ways to break your garden out of the summertime doldrums is to implant colorful summertime - blooming bulb and Tuber , such asgladioliandtuberous begonias . Typically set in the outpouring , these warm - weather bungle normally do n’t survive cold-blooded winters if the bulbs are entrust in the ground . However , one famed exclusion isCrocosmia .
Despite its tropical origin , this vigorous perennial is intrepid down to zone 5 and can continue in the ground year - turn in all but the harshest climates , faithfully blooming time of year after season . The lily - like heyday fire up up summertime garden beds and boundary line and are particularly irresistible to hummingbird . Even whenCrocosmiaare not in bloom , their fountain - shaped cluster of spiky foliage fling counterpoint form and vertical interest .
On this page : Basics|Planting Crocosmia|Crocosmia Care|Pictures|Design Ideas
On this page :
THE BASICS
Botanical name:
Crocosmia
Common names:
Montbretia , coppertips , falling stars
Plant type:
Herbaceous perennial , grown from cluster - forming corm
Zones:
Perennial in zones 5 - 9 . In colder climate , you may take to lift the crocosmia corm in the autumn and store them indoors over winter . ( See more on digging & salt away electric light . )
Height:
1½ to 4 feet , depend on the variety
Exposure:
Thrives in full sun , but also grows well in partial shade — although it may not flower as prolifically .
Bloom Time:
Mid to recent summertime
Crocosmia flowers:
Trumpet - shaped flowers in blazingly bright shades of red , orangish , and xanthous open air in succession from the bottom up .
Crocosmia foliage:
Sword - shape foliage similar to glad .
Special attributes:
PLANTING CROCOSMIA
When to plant:
Plant crocosmia corm in spring , after the danger of freeze has passed . They can be boring to sprout , especially if temperatures are cool . To jumpstart outgrowth , hold off until soil and air temperature warm up .
How to plant:
In garden bed , plant crocosmia corms 2 to 3 inches bass and 8 to 10 inches apart , with the pointed end facing up . Mass the corm together in group of 10 or more for the best effect .
Planting in containers:
If arise in containers , plant to the same deepness in any well - drained good - quality potting mix in a can with fair to middling drain holes .
Soil:
Crocosmia grows best in moist , hummus - rich , well - run out land . Avoid planting in punishing Lucius DuBignon Clay or soggy sites .
Learn and handle for bulb .
CROCOSMIA CARE
Crocosmiaseedpod . picture by : Iva Villi / Shutterstock .
Watering:
water system as needed during the growing time of year to keep the dirt equally moist , giving your plants about an inch of water weekly .
Fertilizing:
provender after initial planting or in former natural spring with a balanced boring - releasefertilizer formulated for medulla and genus Tuber .
After blooming:
Once the flowers are drop , they will simply fall off , giving way to attractive seedpods that hang on into gloam . Leave the foliage in place so it can get together sunlight to nourish next year ’s ontogenesis . When leaves die back in late gloam , cut them back to an inch or two above ground level .
Dividing:
Crocosmiashould be divided every 2 to 3 years to prevent overcrowding and to keep them vigorous . The plant develop cormlets along its roots , pass water it very well-to-do to distribute . With a gentle twist , plainly break apart the offset you find attach to the cornerstone of the main corm and replant them . you’re able to lift and divide congested clumps in fall or in the springtime before young ontogenesis starts .
Winter protection:
Because they are more cold hardy than other summer - blooming bulb , you could commonly leave them in the ground over wintertime . Cover them with a level of mulch to insulate them from severe cold shot . However , if you live in Zone 4 or below , revoke the corms , store them in a nerveless , dry positioning , and replant them in the outpouring .
Diseases and Pests:
Although imperviable to most pests and diseases , crocosmias are particularly susceptible tospider tinge . Avoid an plague by hosing the leaves down with a strong spray of water once or twice a week . This will bump any mites and create an inhospitable environs .
CROCOSMIA PICTURES
Photo by : Walters Gardens , Inc.
Crocosmia’Lucifer '
Height:3 to 4 feet
Spread:12 to 18 in
Bloom Time : June to August
One of the best - known cultivar , ideal for the back of the border . The attractive leave add textural interest throughout the grow season .
Crocosmia’Emily McKenzie '
Height:2 to 2 -1/2 metrical foot
Spread:1 to 2 feet
Bloom Time : August to September
This modest cultivar produces downward - facing flowers . Dark purple calyxes contrast beautifully with the bright orange bud and blossoms .
exposure by : Derek Harris Photography / Shutterstock .
' George Davidson’Crocosmiaxcrocosmiiflora
Height:18 to 24 inch
Spread:18 inches
This adorable heirloom is one of the first to blossom , with a foresightful flowering period that lasts for month .
pic by : High Mountain / Shutterstock .
' Fire King’Crocosmiaxcrocosmiiflora
Height:2 foundation
Bloom Time : July to September
This aptly name intercrossed map the full crocosmia colouring material spectrum , bearing an abundance of bass orange blooms that senesce to an vivid fiery cherry with yellow throats .
Crocosmia’Walbreyes '
Also called ' burnished Eyes ' , this cultivar feature blossom that turn upward to well display their ornate scarlet throat . This uninspired variety will also continue to bloom heavily throughout the growing season without becoming overcrowded .
Crocosmia’Prince of Orange '
Height:2 to 3 invertebrate foot
Bloom Time : Mid to tardy summertime
Known for its exceptionally heavy seedpods in the fall ( paragon for dried bloom arrangements ) , this cultivar is also more prolific than most , producing 20 or more flowers on each stem .
