Pleated leaves Crocosmia paniculata

A member of the Iris family, Crocosmia paniculata is a herbaceous evergreen perennial that typically grows in clumps.  Its name comes from the Greek words krokos and osme, referring to saffron and the odor of dried leaves.   

It surfaces from a corm that will feature crimped basal olive green leaves and showy zigzag red spikes of flowers.  In its native habitat it can be found growing in moist rocky and grassy slopes, in drainage lines, along streams, in marshes and along forest edges.  The flowers appear alternatively along the stalks.  The flowers are considered zygomorphic, that is a flower having bilateral symmetry.  Its petals can only be divided one way to form a mirror image of each other.  The lower three tepals are marked in the lower portion with dark red median streaks.  

The purplish-green floral bracts have a leathery feel. 

Although cold hardy, it is not likely to withstand freezing temperatures.  If grown in cold temperature climates, the corms can be lifted for the winter, or a layer of mulch can be applied to protect the corms from freezing.

Division can be accomplished after dieback occurs following its bloom period, or in the early spring before growth starts.  Cut back the faded foliage in the fall or early spring.

An aroma similar to saffron will emerge when dried flowers are placed in warm water. The dried flowers also produce an orange dye.

It can be found growing on moist rocky and grassy slopes, and forest edges.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  Regions with hot, dry summers will subject the plant to foliage damage from the glasshouse red spider mite. Somewhat slow to reach maturity, it can take up to 3 years.  

In locations that experience very cold winters, care should be taken to protect this plant.  A layer of dry mulch will help to protect it from cold and frost.