Meet the perfect perennial for the dog days of summer.
You don’t need to travel to South Africa to enjoy one of its finest flowers.
Cousin to the gladiolus, the foliage is similar in its upright, sword-shaped leaves.
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This plant grows 3 to 4 feet tall from bulb-like corms.
‘Lucifer’ is the most popular selection because of its flame-red flowers.
This flower grows from creeping stolons, so it can multiply quickly if not cut.
Credit: Steve Bender
Some varieties are only slightly invasive due to their fast proliferation rate.
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Plant Attributes
Crocosmia Care
Growing crocosmia is easy.
Plant the corms 2 inches deep and 3 inches apart into fertile, well-drained soil in spring or fall.
Full to partial sun is fine.
‘Lucifer’ is winter-hardy to USDA Zone 5.
Other selections grow best inZone 6, but they’ll grow as far south as Zone 9.
To stop the spread of this plant, pass some along to a friend.
In hot climates, some afternoon shade is acceptable.
Soil
Well-drained soil is the most important factor when growing crocosmia.
Crocosmia also grows in containers that need soil rich with nutrients.
Water
Crocosmia needs moist but well-drained soil.
During the growing season, water plants once weekly so the topsoil is consistently moist.
Don’t water-log the plant.
Crocosmias also tolerate heat and humid climates but ensure the soil never completely dries out.
In these areas, planting in areas with afternoon shade can help protect this flower.
Fertilizer
After planting crocosmia, there is not a lot of care required.
Types Of Crocosmia
Pruning
Crocosmia does not need pruning, butdeadheading flowerscan encourage new growth.
If necessary, prune leaves at the end of the growing season to manage size and spread.
The best way to do this is by dividing the corms.
you could also harvest seeds from existing plants from the capsules that form in the fall.
Plant corms 3 to 5 inches deep, cover, and water thoroughly.
New growth should emerge after a few weeks.
Cover the soil with alayer of mulchto keep in moisture.
If they dont bloom, let them continue to grow until next season.
Adding a thick, organic mulch can helpprotect crocosmia over the winter.
Most crocosmias are cold-hardy in Zones 6-9, but this depends on the variety.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Crocosmias are relatively pest-resistant and also rabbit resistant.
Gently misting plants also helps rid this infestation.
Root rot can occur in plants that are grown in poorly drained soil.
How To Get Crocosmia To Bloom
Crocosmias bloom from mid-summer until mid-fall depending on the variety.
This extremely showy flower blooms for one to two months.
Trumpet-shaped fragrant flowers can be yellow, orange, or red.
Deadheading spent flowers will encourage new growth.
Remove the stem until it meets the leaves.
Common Problems With Crocosmia
Gardeners shouldn’t encounter many issues with crocosmia.
They are relatively easy plants to care for.
Watch for discolored or dropping leaves, as this can be a sign of disease or rot.
Leaves Turning Brown/Yellow
Gladiolus rust is a fungus that sometimes infects crocosmia.
If leaves start showing spores with brownish-black or brownish-yellow markings, this signifies that gladiolus rust is present.
This fungus also affects the corms and can appear on flowers.
Acopper-based fungicidecan help treat this disease.
While crocosmia can be overwintered indoors in cold climates, it does not make a good houseplant.
It grows vigorously and is tall and floppy.
NC State Extension.Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora.
