Crocosmias will grow in a wide range of soil types, but ideally prefer a warm, sunny spot in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Some will cope in light shade, but flowering may be reduced. Avoid planting in waterlogged or very dry conditions, or in deep shade.
Should crocosmia be cut back?
No pruning required, except the removal of dead leaves and flower stems before new growth starts in spring.
Is crocosmia a perennial?
Crocosmia may not bloom the first season, especially in colder zones, but it is perennial and once established it will reward you with spectacular blooms. Cover with mulch to insulate in winter in zones 5-6.
Will crocosmia multiply?
Crocosmia corms multiply each year and clumps can become congested, leading to reduced flowering and vigour. Established plants can be lifted and divided every 3 to 4 years. Carefully separate the corms and replant the top-most corms, which will produce vigorous plants for the coming season.
Where does crocosmia grow best? – Related Questions
Can you leave crocosmia bulbs in the ground?
Because they are more cold hardy than other summer-blooming bulbs, you can usually leave them in the ground over winter. Cover them with a layer of mulch to insulate them from severe cold snaps. However, if you live in Zone 4 or below, lift the corms, store them in a cool, dry location, and replant them in the spring.
Is crocosmia invasive?
Some crocosmias can become invasive. Common montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora) has ‘escaped’ from gardens into the wild, where it can crowd out more delicate native species. So it’s best not to grow it if your garden adjoins open countryside.
Is it illegal to plant crocosmia?
As such, it is an offence to plant or otherwise allow this species to grow in the wild – yet is is still widely available to buy! Plants are mainly spread via the rhizome and underground corms, although viable seeds can be produced.
Should crocosmia be cut back for winter?
Crocosmia. Cut back flowering stems to near ground level in November, but leave evergreen foliage to provide winter protection – removing it in early March. In cold gardens, lift corms in October.
Do you deadhead crocosmia?
Pruning Crocosmia
You can remove dead flower heads during the flowering season, by cutting back to where the stems meet the leaves, to encourage new blooms.
How do you stop crocosmia from flopping?
The primary solution is to thin out the planting. Crocosmia is a very vigorous, fast growing bulb that reproduces and spreads rapidly. When a planting becomes overly crowded, we see the kind of trouble you are having. For right now, pull up any of the plants whose foliage has turned brown.
Why do my crocosmia never flower?
If your crocosmia is not flowering this is usually because of too much fertilizer, water stress or not enough sun. Additional fertilizer promotes excess foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Crocosmia also displays more flowers, the following year after planting.
What to do with crocosmia in autumn?
Caring for crocosmias
In dry summers you may need to water clumps, and mulch in autumn to protect the corms from frost. Crocosmia corms multiply readily, so clumps will become congested and flower less vigorously over time. The best time to divide and replant congested clumps is in spring.
Will crocosmia grow in pots?
Potting Up
Compact crocosmia varieties can be potted up from containers in which they came as potted plants, or planted as dormant corms in spring. If you have purchased a potted plant, this can be potted up at any time of the year.
What plants pair well with crocosmia?
Their intense colors contrast well with blue and purple Salvias (Sage), Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile), Geraniums (Cranesbills), or silver foliage plants.
Can I split crocosmia?
Crocosmia and Dierama
× crocosmiiflora ‘Jackanapes’, produce underground stems (stolons) which can be detached, along with fibrous roots, to produce new plants. However, it is worth noting that crocosmias flower profusely when crowded, so do not divide clumps too often – every two or three years should be enough.
Why does my crocosmia fall over?
The problem you are having is common. The primary solution is to thin out the planting. Crocosmia is a very vigorous, fast growing bulb that reproduces and spreads rapidly. When a planting becomes overly crowded, we see the kind of trouble you are having.
How much does crocosmia spread?
Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) with a spread of 1-2 ft. (30-60 cm) and begins to produce its lovely blossoms in the summer.
Do crocosmia bulbs multiply?
Because crocosmia can grow 2-4 ft. tall, depending on the variety, they should be planted behind low-growing bulbs and perennials. Crocosmia naturally multiply and spread, so allow room for that.
