Bulbs
Crocosmia ' Lucifer ' . Photo by : Walters Gardens , Inc.
One of the best direction to kick downstairs your garden out of the summer doldrums is to plant colorful summer - blooming bulb and tubers , such asgladioliandtuberous begonia . Typically planted in the spring , these warm - conditions bloomers usually do n’t survive moth-eaten winter if the incandescent lamp are pull up stakes in the primer . However , one celebrated exception isCrocosmia .
Despite its tropical source , this vigorous perennial is unfearing down to zone 5 and can last out in the ground year - round in all but the harsh mood , dependably blooming time of year after season . The lily - like flowers illume up summer garden seam and borders and are specially irresistible to hummingbirds . Even whenCrocosmiaare not in bloom , their fountain - regulate clumps of spiky foliage offer counterpoint shape and vertical interest .
On this varlet : Basics|Planting Crocosmia|Crocosmia Care|Pictures|Design approximation
On this page :
THE BASICS
Botanical name:
Crocosmia
Common names:
Montbretia , coppertips , falling ace
Plant type:
Herbaceous perennial , grown from thud - forming corms
Zones:
Perennial in zone 5 - 9 . In frigid climate , you may need to lift the crocosmia corms in the fall and store them indoors over winter . ( See more on digging & store bulbs . )
Height:
1½ to 4 foot , depending on the mixed bag
Exposure:
Thrives in full sun , but also produce well in partial shade — although it may not flower as prolifically .
Bloom Time:
Mid to late summertime
Crocosmia flowers:
Trumpet - shaped heyday in blazingly brilliant shades of red , orange , and yellow open in succession from the bottom up .
Crocosmia foliage:
brand - shaped leafage similar to gladiolus .
Special attributes:
PLANTING CROCOSMIA
When to plant:
works crocosmia corm in spring , after the danger of frost has passed . They can be slow to sprout , especially if temperatures are cool . To jumpstart growth , hold back until dirt and air temperature warm up .
How to plant:
In garden beds , plant crocosmia corms 2 to 3 inches deep and 8 to 10 inches apart , with the pointed end face up . Mass the corms together in group of 10 or more for the best effect .
Planting in containers:
If originate in containers , plant to the same depth in any well - drained good - lineament potting mix in a can with fair to middling drainage holes .
Soil:
Crocosmia originate best in moist , humus - rich , well - drained grease . quash institute in heavy clays or soggy sites .
con and caring for bulb .
CROCOSMIA CARE
Crocosmiaseedpod . Photo by : Iva Villi / Shutterstock .
Watering:
water system as postulate during the growing time of year to keep the soil evenly moist , giving your plants about an in of water weekly .
Fertilizing:
Feed after initial planting or in other spring with a balanced slow - releasefertilizer formulated for bulb and tubers .
After blooming:
Once the flowers are spent , they will simply fall off , devote way to attractive seedpods that persist into fall . Leave the leafage in place so it can gather sunlight to nourish next year ’s outgrowth . When foliage die back in late crepuscule , geld them back to an column inch or two above ground grade .
Dividing:
Crocosmiashould be divided every 2 to 3 years to foreclose overcrowding and to keep them vigorous . The plant develop cormlets along its ancestor , make it very easy to pass around . With a aristocratic twist , simply break apart the offset you find attached to the basis of the independent corm and replant them . you may lift and separate engorged thump in fall or in the leap before novel growth starts .
Winter protection:
Because they are more cold audacious than other summertime - blooming bulb , you may usually leave them in the ground over wintertime . Cover them with a level of mulch to insulate them from severe cold snatch . However , if you live in Zone 4 or below , rear the corm , store them in a coolheaded , juiceless location , and replant them in the natural spring .
Diseases and Pests:
Although imperviable to most pests and disease , crocosmias are particularly susceptible tospider speck . Avoid an infestation by hosing the foliage down with a stiff atomiser of body of water once or twice a week . This will dislodge any jot and produce an inhospitable environment .
CROCOSMIA PICTURES
pic by : Walters Gardens , Inc.
Crocosmia’Lucifer '
Height:3 to 4 feet
Spread:12 to 18 inch
Bloom Time : June to August
One of the well - known cultivar , ideal for the back of the boundary line . The attractive farewell add textural interest throughout the produce season .
Crocosmia’Emily McKenzie '
Height:2 to 2 -1/2 feet
Spread:1 to 2 foundation
Bloom Time : August to September
This smaller cultivar make downward - facing flowers . grim regal calyxes contrast beautifully with the vivid orange buds and blossom .
pic by : Derek Harris Photography / Shutterstock .
' George Davidson’Crocosmiaxcrocosmiiflora
Height:18 to 24 inches
Spread:18 inches
This endearing heirloom is one of the first to blossom , with a long flowering period that hold out for months .
Photo by : High Mountain / Shutterstock .
' Fire King’Crocosmiaxcrocosmiiflora
Height:2 feet
Bloom Time : July to September
This capably refer hybrid represent the full crocosmia color spectrum , take over an abundance of deep orangish blooms that age to an acute fiery red with yellow pharynx .
Crocosmia’Walbreyes '
Also call ' Bright heart ' , this cultivar features flower that turn upward to well display their flowery ruby throats . This sterile variety will also continue to bloom intemperately throughout the growing time of year without becoming overcrowded .
Crocosmia’Prince of Orange '
Height:2 to 3 foot
Bloom Time : Mid to previous summer
have sex for its exceptionally large seedpods in the evenfall ( ideal for dried flower arrangements ) , this cultivar is also more prolific than most , producing 20 or more bloom on each bow .
