Award-winning crocosmia collection
montbretia collection
Reliably putting on a dazzling show in the garden with their vividly coloured, funnel-shaped flowers, crocosmias make fine additions to mixed or herbaceous borders, as well as more naturalised planting schemes, where they associate well with other late-flowering perennials and ornamental grasses.
How to care for Award-winning crocosmia collection:
Plant corms in spring, 8-10cm (3-4in) deep and 10-15cm (4-6in) apart, in a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil. Water well after planting and keep the soil moist as the corms establish. Allow the foliage to die back naturally in autumn; this stores energy for next year’s growth.
Protect the crowns over winter with a layer of bracken, bark chips, or horticultural mulch to prevent frost damage. Lift and divide overcrowded clumps in spring before new growth starts. Remove dead foliage in late winter if necessary and apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy shoots and abundant summer flowers.
Montbretia performs best when left undisturbed for a few seasons, so avoid frequent lifting unless overcrowded.
What's included:
This dazzling, fiery collection contains 30 corms, with 10 of each of the following:
- Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Carmin Brilliant': Wiry branching stems rise above the foliage in summer carrying red buds which open to yellow-throated, carmine-red flowers. Their strap-shaped leaves are also attractive and provide a vertical accent. Grows to 60cm.
- Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Emily McKenzie': Large, pendulous or horizontal, bright orange flowers, have reddish-purple blotches at their base, appear in late summer. Beautiful in bold drifts and excellent cut flowers. Grows to 60cm.
- Crocosmia 'Lucifer': Masses of bright red flowers are produced along the top of the slightly arching spikes in midsummer. Perfect for planting in big, bold swathes through ‘hot’ themed borders, the flowers are also excellent for cutting. Grows to 120cm.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
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This bulb dies back after flowering each year and enters a period of rest ahead of regrowth the following season.
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Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten
