Crocosmia

Crocosmia is a genus of herbaceous perennials in the iris family (Iridaceae) native to South Africa. The genus includes seven species and one natural hybrid, but many artificial hybrids and cultivars have been produced. They grow from corms, but some also spread by rhizomes. The genus name is derived from the Greek words for 'saffron' and 'smell' because the dried flowers emit a subtle, saffron-like scent when dampened with warm water.  

Crocosmia performs best when planted in full sun. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade will allow the blooms to last longer. Locate in an area that is also protected from hot, dry wind. Irrigate as often as necessary to maintain even moisture in your soil, as the plants do not like to dry out. Crocosmia is semi-hardy, injured below 28 degrees F. When grown in the optimum hardiness zones, the bulbs can remain in the ground for the following year. In cooler zones, the bulbs can be dug up, cleaned and stored in a cool, dry location to be planted the next spring after the chance of frost has passed. Allow the soil and outside temperatures to warm up before planting. Plant to a depth of 5 inches.

The flowers begin to open at the bottom of the spray, and continue to open in succession from the bottom upwards. After blooming, cut the stems back to where they meet the leaves. Allow the leaves to remain until they die back naturally, as they will provide energy to the underground corm to ensure blooms in the next year. Once the leaves wither, cut the plant to ground level.

Propagation is done through division, and should be performed in the early spring every 3 to 4 years to prevent overcrowding and aid in flower production. Over time, they may become weedy and spread into neighboring parts of the border. This is most often a problem with those species and cultivars that make rhizomes.

Crocosmia is a great addition to a butterfly or pollinator garden, a children’s garden or a cottage garden. Crocosmia may also be grown in a cutting garden, as many are excellent as cut flowers. Use it in the herbaceous perennial border. It is also excellent in a container garden. When planting in a container, crocosmia fills the 'thriller' portion of a spiller-thriller-filler arrangement. Ensure that proper drainage is provided when choosing a container. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Spider mites can be an issue, however, hosing the foliage down with a strong spray from your hose will help to dislodge and discourage the mites.