Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Red King'
montbretia bulbs
This bulb dies back after flowering each year and enters a period of rest ahead of regrowth the following season.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast
- Flowering period: August to October
- Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
- Bulb size: 6+
‘Red King’ is a compact, clump-forming perennial with upright, lance-shaped mid-green leaves. From midsummer to mid-autumn, dark, arching, branched stems bear funnel-shaped, red flowers with yellow-orange centres. Suitable for smaller gardens, Crocosmia is so named because the dried leaves smell of saffron when rubbed, and after the Greek words, krokos for saffron and osme for small.
Plant the corms (bulbs) in spring approximately 8-10cm deep and 10-15cm apart. Resist removing the faded foliage in autumn and cover the crown of the plant with bracken or bark chips to protect the plant against frost damage. Lift and divide congested colonies in spring, planting the divided sections 8-10cm (3-4in) deep.
- Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten