Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Red King'
montbretia bulbs
Delivery options
- Standard £5.95
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- 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.
Potted plants can be planted any time of year, avoiding water-saturated and frozen soil. Mix in some well-rotted compost with the excavated soil and firm around the plant and provide a thick layer of mulch (well-rotted compost) as winter protection for the roots. Plant the corms (bulbs) in spring approximately 8-10cm deep and 10-15 cm apart. In autumn, resist removing the faded foliage, 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