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Growing Crocosmia



Crocosmia are members of the iris family who have come to us from South Africa. Better known as Montbretia (yes, some botanist got the world to change this name too) this is a brightly blooming plant that produces several flowers on each stem. The flowers are in the orange-red spectrum for the most part and bloom time is late summer to early fall.

Planting


Plant the base of the corm down 2-3 inches with 5-6 inch spacing between plants.

Where to Grow


Give this plant full sun (remember it is from open areas in South Africa) and well drained soils. It will not flourish at all if you plant it in the shade (sorry).

In an effort to make up for this inflexibility, they produce several flowers on each spike so you can use this corm in the annual and perennial flower garden. Remember that with their bright colours, they are going to be a centerpiece in the garden. Mass plantings are stunning!

The average flower spike rises up 36 inches tall and will brighten up any garden.

Cut Flowers


The make excellent cut flowers if you can stand the thought of harvesting them in tight bud (plant extra so you can do this).

Easily Found Varieties


C. crocosmiiflora

* small-flowered varieties - (e.g.)
   'Meteor' - yellow tinged with orange
   'Red King' - red with orange-yellow center


* Large-flowered varieties
   'Emily McKenzie' - orange
   Crocosmia masonorum'Lucifer' - tomato red






















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