Crocosmia

This is a great plant to add bold splashes of colour to your garden. Its tall, arching stems carry vibrant red, orange or yellow flowers. It looks delicate but its wiry stems do not need staking and resist attempts of wind and rain to bash them down. Plant a few bulbs and your clump will grow into a large drift in no time.

The vivid colours of crocosmias look best against a backdrop of dark green or  purple leaved plants or shrubs. Try them near lovely cotinus shrubs or a purple leaved hazel.

Crocosmia

Crocosmia 'Lucifer' is a great red flowered crocosmia. It has been awarded the RHS's AGM (Award of Garden Merit) for its vigour.

Crocosmia paniculata is the tallest crocosmia at 1.2m if its high drama you're after.

 

Growing Guide for Crocosmia

The cheapest way to buy crocosmia (also known as montbretia) is as bulbs to plant in the autumn. These quickly divide giving you a good sized clump.

Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. However mine grow perfectly well in heavy clay so have a go even if your soil is not great.

If you have cold winters protect with straw in the winter but usually they are fairly hardy.

If the clump is getting congested or the plants are not flowering dig up and split into small clumps. Re-plant with some well-rotted compost added to the soil and water in.

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