PLNTversePLNTverse
Plants › Bulbs

Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora)

Crocosmia crocosmiiflora is a perennial herbaceous plant.

LightIt is reported to grow in full sun to partial shade, performing best in full sun; in hot climates, afternoon shade may prolong flowering.
WaterDuring growth, it is reported to prefer evenly moist soil that does not dry out completely while retaining good drainage.
TemperatureIt is reported to tolerate brief light frost.
Track your Montbretia in the PLNTverse app
Montbretia illustration

Overview

Crocosmia crocosmiiflora is a perennial herbaceous plant.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its origin; it is described as a horticultural hybrid bred in France by Victor Lemoine from C. aurea and C. pottsii. Naturalized or escaped populations are recorded from coastal and inland waterside environments, riverbanks and marshy scrub, sparsely vegetated areas, agricultural and horticultural land, artificial environments, areas around transport infrastructure, and waste sites; it also occurs in varied environments in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Characteristics

With few sources available, mature height is reported at about 90–90 cm. The leaves are reported to be narrow and sword-shaped, arising from the base, with prominent longitudinal ribs; they are shorter than the flowering stems. 'Lucifer' is reported to have bright red flowers, while Crocosmia flowers open sequentially upward along the inflorescence.

Light

It is reported to grow in full sun to partial shade, performing best in full sun; in hot climates, afternoon shade may prolong flowering.

Watering

During growth, it is reported to prefer evenly moist soil that does not dry out completely while retaining good drainage.

Temperature and dormancy

It is reported to tolerate brief light frost.

Growing medium and mounting

It is reported to prefer well-drained garden soil and not to tolerate poorly drained or overly wet soil.

Propagation

It can be propagated by division in early spring. Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora can also produce fertile seed that may be sown when mature, but seedlings do not reliably retain the parent's flower color.

Common problems

Spider mites are reported to cause damage, and a strong stream of water on the leaves may help remove and suppress them. Some Crocosmia species or cultivars spread by underground stems and may eventually become weedy and invade neighboring beds; Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora has records of naturalization or invasion in multiple regions. It is reported to be susceptible to cold damage at sufficiently low temperatures; in hot climates, afternoon shade may prolong flowering, and hot, dry winds are best avoided.

Identification

Crocosmia crocosmiiflora has underground corms and sword-shaped leaves; 'Lucifer' is distinguished by bright red flowers.

Sources