General gardening topics

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
10x Crocosmia Large Flowering Mix Summer Flowering Bulbs Spring Planting Easy to Grow Montbretia Hardy Garden Perenial Flowers
  • Beautiful bright funnel-shaped flowers that grow throughout the summer months. Mixed Crocosmia selection containing yellow, red and orange blends.
  • Ideal for borders and containers. Excellent cut flower. Deer and rabbits resistant. Height: 60-90cmcm.
  • Crocosmia are excellent plants for wildlife gardening as they attract both hoverflies and bumble bees.
  • Easy to grow. Crocosmia bulbs prefer to be planted in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Plant the bulbs 3-4 inches deep and about 6-8 inches apart, with the pointed end facing up. Size 6+ bulbs supplied
  • You will receive pack of 10 quality bulbs, size 6+ in eco-friendly recyclable packaging with detailed instructions included
Bestseller No. 2
Carbeth Plants - 10 x Crocosmia Mixed Montbretia Summer Bulbs - Hardy Colourful Herbaceous Perennial Corms - Low Maintenance Pollinator Friendly Plants - Grow in Beds, Borders and Patio Pots
  • CROCOSMIA MONTBRETIA BULB MIX - With this fantastic mixed Crocosmia bulb collection, you will receive 10, 25, 50 or 100, easy to grow UK full hardy mixed herbaceous perennial Montbretia corms in a mix of rich fiery reds, oranges and yellows. Please note that quantities and varieties may vary depending on availability. These upright growing, clump forming plants grow between 50 and 70 cm in height, loved by pollinating insects, in particular bees and butterflies, will add interest to your garden during the Summer months of July to September.
  • HOW TO PLANT CROCOSMIA - Plant these Crocosmia bulbs during the Spring in fertile, well draining soil in a warm sunny spot, but they can cope in partial shade. These corms should be planted about three times their depth and 10-20 cm apart, with the slightly pointed end upwards and roots downwards. After planting, water well. During the growing season, water about once a week, giving the plants about an inch of water. Once in flower remove any withered leaves and at the end of the flowering season, cut the stems back.
  • PLANTING POSITION - These bulbs are great for growing in flower beds and garden borders or also in patio pots to give colour to any mixed flower display, looking great when planted with Kniphofias, Dahlias, and ornamental grasses. Further to this they are ideal for growing in coastal, cottage and low maintenance gardening schemes. Montbretia will continue to grow each year with little maintenance. They can also be used as cut flowers allowing you to enjoy them in your home and garden.
  • EASY TO STORE - If you are not ready to plant bulbs now, then store them in a cool, dry, frost free, well ventilated location. A garage, shed, loft or cupboard are ideal. Open the paper bag to allow air to circulate round but leave the bulbs in their bags until ready to plant. Just make sure mice or other rodents can’t get access to them. Keep an eye on your bulbs while in storage, if they are showing signs of going soft, it's best to get them planted before they deteriorate any further.
  • CARBETH PLANTS - We are a Scottish based company with over 20 years experience in horticulture. With a large variety of plants for the garden, indoors and also gift wrapped for special occasions. We pride ourselves on prompt delivery as well as our quality and affordable plants.
Bestseller No. 3
10x Crocosmia Lucifer Summer Flowering Bulbs Firey Stars Spring Planting Red Montbretia Easy to Grow Garden Perenial Flowers
  • Crocosmia Lucifer is a popular variety of Crocosmia, known for its bold, fiery red flowers and striking sword-like foliage.
  • Also known as montbretia, Falling Stars, Copper Tips or Star Galdiolus, these bulbs are a favorite among gardeners for adding dramatic color and texture to summer and early autumn gardens.
  • The blooms are bright scarlet-red with a slightly orange undertone, making them a showstopper in any landscape. Flower spikes are held above lush, green foliage for a clean and dramatic look
  • Pollinator-Friendly: The vibrant red flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them a wonderful addition to pollinator gardens
  • Planting. Crocosmia Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers well-draining soil with moderate moisture. Plant the bulbs 2–3 inches deep and 6–8 inches apart in the spring. Water well after planting and provide consistent moisture as they grow. You will receive pack of 10 healthy bulbs with detail planting instructions.
Bestseller No. 4
GardenersDream Crocosmia Carmine Brilliant Plant in Pot - Outdoor Garden Ready Hardy Perennial Plant - Outdoor Plant for Borders,and Beds - Beautiful Orange Flowering Plants (10-20cm incl. 9cm 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: This fast growing shrub quickly establishes itself in your garden, providing rapid ground cover and efficiently filling in spaces. It is ideal for various garden settings, including ground cover, containers, and borders, helping to create a lush appearance.
  • 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. 5
GreenBrokers Big Buy MEGA Pack Crocosmia Summer Flowering Bulbs, Mixed Colours (50 Bulbs) Bee & Butterfly Friendly
  • Brilliant big value bag of bulbs fantastic for attracting bees butterflies and other wildlife to your garden
  • Vibrant mixed Colour assortment
  • The bag contains 50 Crocosmia Mixed bulbs size 4/5
  • The bulbs are packed in an environmentally friendly brown paper bag with a carry handle and a large picture card on the front of the pack. On the back of the picture card you will find planting and care instructions. Each variety is packed separately inside the pack and clearly labelled.
  • Premium quality bulbs "Holland Selection Quality Mark" & "PEFC Certified" from sustainably managed forest and controlled sources. Outer packaging can be recycled.
Bestseller No. 6
10x Crocosmia Mix Small Flowering Summer Bulbs Garden Perenial Plant Hardy Easy to Grow Your Own
  • Crocosmia Small Flowering - Pack of 10 bulbs.
  • Mixed small flowering Crocosmia selection containing yellow, red and orange flowers.
  • Easy To grow. Excellent cut flower. Ideal for border or containers.
  • Crocosmia are best planted in fertile, well drained soil in the spring. Plant at approx 8-10cm deep and 10-15cm apart. They can tolerate full sun or partial shade, and best planted in groups.
  • You will receive pack of 10 healthy bulbs, size 6/7
Bestseller No. 7
10x Crocosmia George Davison Summer Flowering Bulbs Yellow Spring Planting Easy to Grow Montbretia Hardy Garden Perenial Flowers
  • Beautiful bright yellow small flowering Crocosmia with funnel-shaped flowers that are produced during summer months in double rows along the top of slightly arching racemes. Height: 30-60cm.
  • A showy bulbous perennial with sword-shaped mid-green leaves, the Crocosmia is ideal for planting in bold swathes through hot themed borders - or even just in pots to cheer up a sad-looking patio.
  • Ideal for borders and containers. Excellent cut flower. Pollinator friendly. Crocosmia are excellent plants for wildlife gardening as they attract both hoverflies and bumble bees.
  • Mature height: 30-60cm.
  • You will receive pack of 10 quality bulbs, size 7/8 in eco-friendly recyclable packaging with detailed instructions included
Bestseller No. 8
5 x Crocosmia Lucifer – Bold Tomato red Funnel Shaped Flowers-Arching Stems- Herbaceous Perennial- Looks Lovely in swathes- RHS Award Winner- for Your Beautiful Garden
  • WHEN TO PLANT: Plant between January to May and flowers will Bloom in August to September. HEIGHT 60-90cm. If your preference is always apart from the regular flowers, this plant is for you. These are WINTER PLANTING BULBS – READY for BLOOM in SUMMER. This kind of cultivation is relaxed and stress-free for both gardening experts and beginners
  • HOW TO PLANT: Simply plant the bulbs 5cm deep and 10cm apart and wait for these beautiful blooms to make a show. SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Crocosmia prefers fertile, hummus rich and well-drained soil. They do not like cold, exposed or waterlogged conditions. Avoid planting in freshly manured soils. If your soil is heavy/ clay add grit to improve drainage. SUN-LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Full sun / Dappled Shade.
  • CONTENTS: 10 x Crocosmia Lucifer Flower Bulbs. COMMON NAME: Crocosmia Lucifer. Bulb Size 8/10. Bulbs grown from cultivated stock.
  • CREATE A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN: Get rewarded with a unique statement in your garden by choosing to go GROW MY OWN. This sparky little flower quite aptly carries the name of a safety match. Crocosmia Lucifer's delightful little red flowers look for all the world like little flames lit by a matchstick if seen from a distance.
  • GUARANTEE: These bulbs you receive from us should reach you in the best condition and be of top quality. We have worked with our suppliers for many years to guarantee this. We know how annoying it is if you plant something and wait eagerly for it to flower, only to find that it’s the wrong colour or form. The bulbs you’ll get from us will be first class and healthy – GUARANTEED
Bestseller No. 10
Crocosmia Fairy Crimson Plant 9cm Pot - Herbaceous Perennial Plants for The Garden
  • 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
  • CUT FLOWERS - Lift and divide thinning out clumps to maintain vigour and encourage flowering. They make excellent cut flowers
  • WHAT YOU GET - This listing is for one plant in a 9cm pot ready to be planted in the garden

Last update on 2025-04-02 / 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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