Growing Crocosmia: Tips for Planting and Cultivating Them

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The elegant bending stems of crocosmia, adorned with small red, orange, and yellow flowers, are like a welcome sign for hummingbirds seeking nectar. These corms, which are easy to grow and bloom in midsummer and fall, can bring life to your garden when other plants are struggling in the heat. If you live in Zone 6 or higher, crocosmia, also known as montbretia, will continue to brighten your garden with its vibrant colors and playful charm year after year. In other climates, crocosmia can be grown as an annual. While some nurseries offer small crocosmia plants in pots, a wider variety of crocosmia cultivars are usually available as corms.

Crocosmia Overview
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Crocosmia spp.
COMMON NAME
Crocosmia
ALSO KNOWN AS
Montbretia
PLANT TYPE
Bulb
LIGHT
Sun
HEIGHT
2 to 4 feet
WIDTH
1 to 2 feet
FLOWER COLORS
Green, Orange, Red, Yellow
FOLIAGE COLOR
Blue/Green
SEASONAL FEATURES
Summer Bloom
SPECIAL FEATURES
Attracts Birds, Cut Flowers, Ideal for Containers, Low Maintenance
ZONES
10, 6, 7, 8, 9
PROPAGATION
Division
PROBLEM SOLVERS
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Good For Privacy

Ideal Planting Locations for Crocosmia
For optimum growth, plant crocosmia in a sunny area with well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

The slender leaves and curving stems of crocosmia provide a striking contrast to other garden plants in beds and containers. Plant a cluster of crocosmia plants alongside other brightly colored late-summer flowers such as black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, dahlia, and blanket flower. It also creates a visually appealing display when planted with complementing colors (refer below). To achieve the best bloom display, plant crocosmia in groups of at least twelve.

When and How to Plant Crocosmia
Crocosmia corms can be planted either in spring or fall, with those planted in spring possibly not blooming until the following year.

Plant crocosmia corms 3 to 5 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches apart. Prior to planting, consider enriching the soil by adding a 2-inch layer of well-decomposed compost. For convenient planting, arrange a dozen or more corms of the same variety in a trench.

Tips for Caring for Crocosmia
Apart from ensuring an adequate water supply, growing crocosmia requires minimal effort.

Light
Crocosmia thrives in full sun, with partial shade potentially affecting its bloom. The exception is in hot climates, where some afternoon shade can benefit the plant.

Soil and Water
The plant is not particular about soil type as long as it is well-drained and has a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5.

It is essential to keep the plant adequately moist, so water as needed in the absence of rainfall, avoiding over-watering.

Temperature and Humidity
Though native to South Africa, crocosmia can tolerate high heat and humidity. It is not winter-hardy below Zone 6, where it can be grown as an annual or dug up in the fall and stored in a cool, dry place similar to overwintering gladiolus.

Fertilizing
Crocosmia does not require fertilization, as excess nutrients can result in lush foliage but minimal flowering.

Pruning
To maintain a tidy appearance, remove spent flower stalks. However, let the foliage naturally wither as it aids in energy storage for the following year’s blooms, similar to other corm and bulb plants.

Potting and Repotting Crocosmia
While suitable for perennial growth in specific climates, growing crocosmia in containers in cooler regions is not recommended due to exposure to winter cold that can harm the corms.

When the corms fill the pot, repot the crocosmia by either transplanting it into a larger container with fresh potting mix or dividing it to alleviate overcrowding.

Pests and Issues
Aside from spider mites, crocosmia typically does not face significant pest challenges and is deer-resistant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be prevented by ensuring proper soil drainage.

Propagating Crocosmia
Known for its prolific reproduction, crocosmia can be easily propagated by dividing the corms every three to four years to rejuvenate crowded plants. In spring, prior to new growth, carefully divide the corms by hand, discarding any damaged ones and replanting the healthy corms at the same depth, spaced 6 to 8 inches apart.

Varieties of Crocosmia
‘Ember Glow’ Crocosmia

Peter Krumhardt introduced the Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Ember Glow’, which features stunning scarlet flowers that open up to display beautiful golden throats. This variety thrives in zones 6-9. Another popular variety is the ‘Lucifer’ Crocosmia.

Bill Stites introduces ‘Lucifer’, a hybrid known for its striking scarlet flowers on arched spikes during the summer months. This plant can reach heights of 3 to 4 feet and is more tolerant to winter conditions compared to its parent species. Suitable for zones 5 to 9. Another interesting Crocosmia variety is ‘Meteore’.

Laurie Black introduces ‘Meterore’ variety of Crocosmia with vibrant yellow-orange flowers and red throats that can grow up to 3 feet tall, suitable for Zones 6-10.

Aster plants are easy to grow with a variety of shapes and sizes, perfect for gardens of all sizes and styles. They bloom from late summer to fall, adding a delightful display of flowers when other summer blooms are fading. Suitable for Zone 3-9.

Flowering Tobacco plants, known for their fragrant flowers, are a beloved addition to cottage and moon gardens. These plants, related to true tobacco, display colorful blooms and emit a pleasant scent throughout the season. They are typically grown as annuals in most regions, and best suited for Zones 10-11.

Globe Thistle plants are perennial with composite blooms, forming large flower heads made of smaller flowers that look like a single blossom. Their open blossoms attract pollinators and make stunning centerpieces in garden beds, adding height to border gardens while tolerating poor soil conditions. Best grown in Zones 3-10.