It thrives in mild summer temperatures but will need some shade in scorching hot and drying sun.
The named cultivars are less likely to be invasive than the straight species.Crocosmiacrocosmiiflora(Montbretia) along withC.
masoniorum(CrocosmiaMarcotijn) and some forms ofC.
Roger Smith / Getty Images
Light
Crocosmia grows and flowers best in full sun.
Some afternoon shade is fine in hot climates.
The alternative is to grow crocosmia plants inraised bedsor containers.
Jonkman Photography / Getty Images
Water
Crocosmia plants need regular watering, but you should not overwater them orroot rotcould occur.
Water only when the top of the soil feels dry.
Fertilizer
Crocosmia grows well in lean or rocky soils and doesn’t need supplemental fertilizer.
Crocosmia ‘Citronella’Neil Holmes/Getty Images
Excessive nutrients can cause an overgrowth of foliage at the expense of the blooms.
Overwintering
In their typical growing zones, crocosmia can be left in the ground for overwintering.
A layer of mulch might help with peace of mind.
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’pjhpix/Getty Images
However,spider mitescan plague crocosmia plants, especially when dry conditions prevail.
How to Get Crocosmia to Bloom
How Long Does Crocosmia Bloom?
From May to midsummer and mid fall, crocosmia blooms for five to eight weeks.
These flowers also make beautiful and long-lasting cut flowers.
Cut stems for fresh flowers when the first few bottom flowers on the spike are opening.
Remove leaves and recut the bottom of the stem.
What Do Crocosmia Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Their red, yellow, or orange tubular blooms are displayed on long, arching stemsa favorite forattracting hummingbirds.
The blooms open one at a time from the bottom of the stem.
Their grass-like foliage adds billowy movement to the garden and is attractive all season.
If the blooms come in contact with water, they may emit a subtle saffron-like fragrance.
Ample watering, especially during times of drought, will help motivate blooms.
Avoid fertilizing too much or you will encourage foliage but fewer blooms.
Deadheading Crocosmia Flowers
There is no need to deadhead crocosmia flowers after they bloom.
They will rebloom on their own.
Common Problems With Crocosmia
This flower is typically low-maintenance.
You may find a couple of problems to contend with.
Watch for these signs.
The mites are sucking sap from the leaves which gives it that appearance.
Eliminate mites withinsecticidal soap,neem oil, or use pesticides as a last resort.
Crocosmia andgladiolusplantshave similar strappy foliage and bloom in the warm summer months.
Depending upon the conditions, expect these plants to live between five and 20 years.
Fact Sheet: Crocosmia.University of Florida Extension.
Crocosmia.North Carolina State Extension.
