Crocosmias

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Crocosmias: Those Fiery Flowers That Brighten Your Garden

Ever seen those vibrant, almost flame-like flowers that pop up in late summer? Chances are, you’ve spotted a crocosmia. These beauties, sometimes called coppertips or falling stars, bring a real splash of color to gardens just when many other blooms are starting to fade. They’re not just pretty faces, though. Crocosmias are surprisingly tough and relatively easy to grow, making them a favorite among gardeners of all levels.

What Exactly Are Crocosmias?

Crocosmias belong to the iris family (Iridaceae), which means they’re related to other garden stalwarts like irises, gladioli, and freesias. Most of the crocosmias we see in gardens today are hybrids, often stemming from crosses between Crocosmia aurea and Crocosmia pottsii. These hybrids have given us a fantastic range of flower colors, from fiery oranges and reds to sunny yellows.

A Little Bit of Crocosmia History

The genus Crocosmia is native to the grasslands of eastern and southern Africa. It wasn’t until the 19th century that they really started to gain popularity in European gardens, thanks to the work of French breeders who developed many of the stunning cultivars we know today. These early breeders recognized the potential of crocosmias with their vibrant colors, elegant arching stems, and late-season blooms.

Why Gardeners Love Crocosmias

There are plenty of reasons why crocosmias have found a permanent place in our gardens:

Stunning Colors

Let’s be honest, the first thing that grabs your attention with a crocosmia is its color. The flowers come in a range of warm hues that can really inject some energy into the late summer and early autumn garden. Whether you prefer the intense scarlet of ‘Lucifer’, the rich orange of ‘Emily McKenzie’, or the golden yellow of ‘George Davison’, there’s a crocosmia to suit almost any color scheme.

Elegant Form

The way the flowers are arranged on slender, arching stems is another big plus. The buds often start as little droplets of color, gradually unfurling into trumpet-shaped blooms that dangle gracefully. This elegant form adds a touch of sophistication to borders and makes them excellent for cutting and bringing indoors.

Late Season Interest

Just when some of your earlier flowering plants are starting to look a bit tired, crocosmias burst into life. Their mid- to late-summer flowering period means they help to extend the season of color in your garden, providing a welcome boost as the days start to shorten.

Relatively Low Maintenance

Once established, crocosmias are pretty self-sufficient. They’re not overly fussy about soil conditions, although they do appreciate well-drained soil. They’re also reasonably drought-tolerant once they’ve settled in. This makes them a great choice for gardeners who want beautiful blooms without a lot of fuss.

Attracts Pollinators

The vibrant flowers of crocosmias are also attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. Planting them can help to support these beneficial insects in your garden.

Deer Resistance

While no plant is entirely deer-proof, crocosmias are generally considered to be deer-resistant. This can be a significant advantage in areas where deer are a common problem in gardens.

How to Grow Happy Crocosmias

Getting your crocosmias to thrive isn’t too tricky. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Planting Time

The best time to plant crocosmia corms (which are similar to bulbs) is in the spring. This gives them the whole growing season to establish before winter.

Choosing the Right Spot

Crocosmias do best in a sunny spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. While they can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can result in fewer flowers and weaker stems.

Soil Requirements

As mentioned earlier, well-drained soil is crucial. Crocosmia corms can rot in soggy conditions. If your soil is heavy clay, you can improve drainage by adding some sand or compost. They aren’t particularly demanding when it comes to soil fertility, but a bit of compost worked into the planting area can be beneficial.

Planting Depth and Spacing

Plant the corms about 4-6 inches deep and space them about 6-9 inches apart. Planting them at the right depth helps to protect them from winter cold and summer heat.

Watering

After planting, water the corms well. During the growing season, water regularly, especially during dry spells. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to rot. Once the foliage starts to die back in the fall, you can reduce watering.

Feeding

Crocosmias generally don’t need a lot of fertilizer. However, a light feeding with a balanced fertilizer in the spring as new growth appears can be beneficial. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Overwintering

In many areas, crocosmias are hardy enough to survive the winter outdoors. However, in colder climates (typically USDA zones 5 and below), it’s a good idea to lift the corms in the fall after the foliage has died back. Clean off any excess soil and store them in a cool, dry, and frost-free place until spring. You can then replant them when the danger of hard frost has passed. In milder climates, you can often leave them in the ground with a layer of mulch for protection.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Crocosmias are generally quite trouble-free when it comes to pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for common garden pests like slugs and snails, which may occasionally nibble on the foliage. Good garden hygiene, such as removing dead leaves and debris, can help to prevent fungal diseases.

Popular Crocosmia Varieties to Consider

With so many beautiful cultivars available, choosing can be tough! Here are a few popular ones to get you started:

’Lucifer’

This is perhaps one of the most well-known and loved crocosmias. It boasts brilliant scarlet-red flowers on tall, arching stems. ‘Lucifer’ is known for its vigorous growth and long flowering period.

’Emily McKenzie’

This variety features stunning, burnt-orange flowers with a yellow throat. It has a slightly more compact habit than ‘Lucifer’ and is a real showstopper in the late summer garden.

’George Davison’

If you’re looking for a sunny yellow crocosmia, ‘George Davison’ is an excellent choice. Its bright, golden-yellow flowers bring a cheerful touch to the garden.

’Sungold’

Another beautiful yellow variety, ‘Sungold’ produces masses of rich, golden-orange flowers. It’s known for its strong stems and long-lasting blooms.

’Star of the East’

This cultivar stands out with its large, apricot-orange flowers that have a distinctive star-shaped pattern in the center. It’s a real eye-catcher.

’Bressingham Beacon’

This variety offers intense, fiery-orange flowers that are sure to make a statement in your garden. It’s known for its robust growth and abundant blooms.

Using Crocosmias in Your Garden Design

Crocosmias are incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways in your garden:

Borders and Beds

Their vibrant colors and elegant form make them perfect for adding late-season interest to mixed borders and flower beds. Plant them in groups for the best visual impact.

Cottage Gardens

Their somewhat informal and airy appearance fits beautifully into cottage garden schemes, where they can mingle with other late-blooming perennials.

Cutting Gardens

The long, arching stems and long-lasting flowers make crocosmias excellent for cutting and bringing indoors to enjoy in bouquets.

Container Gardening

While they generally prefer to be in the ground, some of the more compact varieties can also be grown in large containers. Just ensure the container has good drainage.

Naturalizing

In milder climates, crocosmias can naturalize and spread over time, creating drifts of color.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Crocosmias

Crocosmias are more than just pretty flowers; they are reliable, relatively low-maintenance plants that bring a burst of vibrant color and elegant form to the late summer garden. Their history, ease of cultivation, and the sheer joy their fiery blooms bring make them a valuable addition to any landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, crocosmias are a fantastic way to extend the flowering season and add a touch of exotic beauty to your outdoor space.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crocosmias

Are crocosmias annuals or perennials?

Crocosmias are perennials, meaning they will come back year after year when grown in suitable conditions. In colder climates, the corms may need to be lifted and stored indoors over winter to protect them from frost.

When do crocosmias typically bloom?

Crocosmias generally flower in mid- to late summer, often starting in July or August and continuing into September, depending on the variety and your local climate.

Do crocosmias spread?

Yes, crocosmias can spread through the production of new cormlets (small, new corms that develop around the parent corm). Over time, this can lead to larger clumps of plants. If they spread too much, you can easily dig up and divide the clumps in the spring.

Are crocosmias toxic to pets?

According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), crocosmias are not listed as toxic to dogs, cats, or horses. However, it’s always a good idea to supervise pets in the garden and prevent them from ingesting large quantities of any plant material.

How long do crocosmia flowers last when cut?

Crocosmia flowers have a good vase life, typically lasting for about a week to ten days if properly cared for. Cut the stems when the first few flowers on the spike are open and place them in fresh water with flower food.

crocosmias