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How to grow Crocosmia to get the most out of these stunning plants

Last updated on June 8th, 2022

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Crocosmias are a great way to add bright flowers to your border gardens, full of citrus coloured shades. There are literally hundreds of varieties to choose from, for example, the popular Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ with bright red flowers (as shown in the main picture) or the Crocosmia ‘Spitfire’ that produces fiery orange flowers, this is also a dwarf variety. So, you should be able to find a Crocosmia that is perfect for you and your garden, no matter the size, shape, and style of your garden.

Some varieties have upright growing habits, with bright green leaves while others produce sprays of flowers you will no doubt want to display on your tables. They also make excellent cut flowers, plus they flower prolifically and can be divided every 3 years to provide you with bigger and better displays. 

Where to grow Crocosmia plants

If you want to plant Crocosmias in your garden you will need fertile, well-draining but moist soil. They aren’t fussy about soil type but they seem to do better in slightly acidic soil.

They also prefer full sun but if you only have an area with light shading and some sunlight for part of the day, they will usually survive there too.

As mentioned, they need well-draining soil because they must be watered regularly (without, of course, becoming waterlogged). Consider digging plenty of organic compost to improve the water retention to help keep the soil moist. If the area is a little prone to waterlogging then we recommend improving the soil first, digging in plenty of grit and organic matter.


How to plant Crocosmia

Crocosmias are corms, which means you can plant them using the same method as bulbs. For this, dig holes in your garden 8 inches deep and fill them with well-rotted compost. Place a few corms in the hole, about 6 to 8 inches apart around 3 to 5 inches deep. This will help you create a reasonably sized clump of flowers in the near future. Then, cover with soil and water well, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged because this can rot the combs. 


General Care

Once planted, you will need to protect them during winter and of course, keep them from drying out in summer. This simply means keeping the soil moist and now allowing them to dry out. They multiply very quickly so, within a few years, the clumps will be congested and need dividing in order to keep up the health and long-term the flowers that are produced. 


Propagating Crocosmias

If you want to propagate from your Crocosmia, you can remove the clumps in spring, divide them, and then replant the divisions. We recommend that this is something you should do every 3-4 years. 

You can learn more about how and when to divide Crocosmia in this guide

Croscosmia flower best when a little crowded but they do best with divided every 3-4 years in spring. Learn how to divide crocosmia step by step now

Problems – keep an eye out for spider mites

The good news is, unlike most plants, Crocosmia doesn’t have that many problems and remains disease and pest free most of the time. However, they can experience issues with spider mites.

The problem with the red spider mite is that they are so small you often don’t notice they are a problem until they have multiplied to the point of making webs across the plant. So, as soon as you notice the issue, treat them with a pesticide spray. 


Recommended Varieties

  • For compact gardens, you can grow the Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ that has bright orange flowers with a mahogany throat. 
  • The Crocosmia ‘Citronella’ is an upright plant with small, yellow flowers. 
  • For height, you should try the Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ which grows up to 1.5m and produces fiery red blooms. 
  • For a hybrid with stunning, orange-red flowers, you can try the new Crocosmia ‘Harvest Sun’.
  • If you want a medium height plant, try the Crocosmia ‘George Davison’. It grows to approximately 60cm and produces upright stems of golden yellow coloured flowers.

See the availability of Crocosmia that Yougarden.com have for sale

Bestseller No. 1
Plant Theory Lucifer Montbretia Perennials Flowering Plants Crocosmia 2L Pot
  • Low-Maintenance Gardening: Enjoy more beauty with less work! Our perennials thrive with minimal care, boasting deep root systems for efficient water and nutrient absorption. Perfect for the time-savvy gardener!
  • Cost-Saving Greenery: Invest in your garden's future with plants that return each year. Our perennials eliminate the need for annual replanting, offering endless growth and savings. Plus, easy propagation means more plants for free!
  • Soil Savior Plants: Enhance your garden's foundation with our perennials. Their deep roots improve soil health, prevent erosion, and promote moisture retention, paving the way for a thriving garden ecosystem.
  • Bee Friendly Biodiversity: Support biodiversity with our selection of perennial plants. Attract birds, bees, and butterflies all year round, contributing to local wildlife and ecosystem health. Choose native varieties for an extra eco-boost!
  • Originating from our Berkshire-based nursery, established in 2000, we take pride in cultivating UK-grown plants with unmatched quality and dedication. Our expertise and passion have consistently illuminated the show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show annually since our inception, earning us over 30 prestigious gold medals in recognition of our exceptional plant standards.
Bestseller No. 3
Crocosmia Orange Pekoe Plant in a 9cm Pot - Herbaceous Perennial Ready to Plant
  • CUT FLOWERS - Lift and divide thinning out clumps to maintain vigour and encourage flowering. They make excellent cut flowers
  • SUMMER COLOUR - Crocosmia are relatives of the Gladioli family having very similar attributes like their long sword like leaves and tall arching spiked stems that bare bright funnel shaped flowers throughout the summer
  • EASY TO GROW - Although these deciduous plants are very easy plants to grow for the best results plant them in full sun on a well-drained site
  • WHAT YOU GET - This listing is for one plant in a 9cm pot ready to be planted in the garden
Bestseller No. 4
Crocosmia Orange Pekoe - Montbretia | Perennial Hardy Garden Plant in Pot
  • Characteristics: Deciduous perennial with attractive orange-yellow flowerheads that grow from green stems.
  • Growth and Spread: Grows to around 0.5m tall, spreading to roughly 1m wide.
  • Period of Interest: Begins to flower in early May, with these blooms lasting until late August.
  • Water and Maintenance: Requires protection from frost. Dead foliage should be removed in Autumn and should be watered once a week, keeping the soil moist.
Bestseller No. 5
Crocosmia Lucifer Fiery Red Trumpets Garden Plant Hardy Bulb Garden Plants Easy to Grow Your Own 10x Bulbs by Thompson and Morgan
  • Devil flaming red trumpet shaped blooms
  • Exotic flowers with wonderful arched stems perfect for cottage gardens
  • Bold and beautiful displays from June through to the end of September
  • 10x Bulbs
Bestseller No. 6
JustSeed - Flower - Crocosmia Mixed Hybrids - 25 Seed
  • Part of "The Difference is JustSeed" Seed range
  • Genuine Just Seed Branded products only supplied direct by Just Seed UK .
  • Professional Seed Company Defra Registered 7291 , Organic Registration AP23297
  • All Seeds Packed and labelled with helpful growing information
Bestseller No. 7
Crocosmia Lucifer Outdoor Montbretia Flowering Garden Plants Hardy Plant in Pot (15-30cm Incl. Pot)
  • Pot Size (Supplied): 9cm
  • Supplied Height (Incl. Pot): 20-30cm
  • Characteristics: Perennial, mid-green sword-shaped leavesand bright red funnel-shaped flowers that appear in clusters.
  • Height and Spread: 1.5 / 0.5m
Bestseller No. 8
Potted 1 Litre Crocosmia George Davison Monbretia Hardy Summer Garden Perennial Plant : - by GARTHWAITE NURSERIES® : - UK Stockist
  • CATEGORY : - CROCOSMIA “MONTBRETIA” : - VARIETY: - GEORGE DAVISON
  • TYPE: - READY POTTED: - SIZE: - 1 LITRE POT: - STAGE: - EARLY STAGES OF GROWTH
  • DESCRIPTION : - ARCHING FLOWERS OF YELLOW TUBULAR FLOWERS
  • QUANTITY PER UNIT: - 1: - HEIGHT: - 60-70 CM: - BLOOMS: - SUMMER FLOWERING
  • PLEASE NOTE THE PICTURE IS A STOCK PICTURE ONLY AND SHOWS HOW THE PLANT WILL LOOK WHEN FULLY MATURE PLANT SENT IN THE EARLY STAGES OF GROWTH : - PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Bestseller No. 9
GardenersDream Crocosmia Carmine Brilliant Plant in Pot - Outdoor Garden Ready Hardy Perennial Plant - Outdoor Plant for Borders,and Beds - Beautiful Orange Flowering Plant (30-40cm incl. 3L Pot)
  • HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL PLANT: This crocosmia plant is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial plant with flowers that return year after year. Our outside plant provides a reliable flowering display without needing replanted.
  • STRIKING FLOWERS: Our outdoor garden plant features fiery orange, tubular blooms with a small yellow throat. These vibrant outdoor flowers add a striking splash of colour to gardens and attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees, promoting a healthy garden ecosystem.
  • GROWTH AND SPREAD: Our outdoor potted plant arrives at a convenient height, including the pot, making it perfect for immediate, hassle-free planting. This flowering plant can grow to an impressive height of 0.5-1 m, with a spread of 0.1-0.5 m.
  • FAST-GROWING SHRUB: This patio fruit tree is a fast-growing shrub that quickly enhances your garden's fruit selection with its lush, vigorous growth. It can reach an impressive height of 1.8 metres and a spread of 1.5 metres.
  • PLANTING INSTRUCTION: This garden-ready perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil, requiring less frequent watering to prevent root diseases. Our flowering plant thrives in full sun or partial shade. In autumn, remove any dead leaves or flowers to promote healthy spring growth.
Bestseller No. 10
Crocosmia Bulbs ‘Spitfire’ Hardy Perennial Plant Bright Orange Flowers Sword-Like Foliage Stunning Display Easy to Grow and Maintain for Exotic Borders
  • These bulbs produce an abundance of bright orange blooms, each flushed with gold, surrounded by masses of sword-like green foliage
  • With vibrant colours and upright stems, this hardy outdoor flowering perennial is sure to make a garden display that can’t be missed
  • Unlike other varieties, this Crocosmia is easy to grow and maintain due to its compact, dwarf habit perfect for patio once potted

Last update on 2024-11-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Welcome to my site, my name is John and I have been lucky enough to work in horticultural nurseries for over 15 years in the UK. As the founder and editor as well as researcher, I have a City & Guilds Horticultural Qualifications which I proudly display on our About us page. I now work full time on this website where I review the very best gardening products and tools and write reliable gardening guides. Behind this site is an actual real person who has worked and has experience with the types of products we review as well as years of knowledge on the topics we cover from actual experience. You can reach out to me at john@pyracantha.co.uk

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