Crocosmia spp., crocosmia
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Perennials

Crocosmia spp.

crocosmia

IridaceaeSouthern and eastern Africa

At a Glance

TypeBulb
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Width1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Hummingbirds
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

A genus of 9 species of cormous perennials in the family Iridaceae, native to grasslands and rocky slopes of southern and eastern Africa. Plants grow from chains of interconnected corms, producing upright, sword-shaped leaves 12–36 inches (30–90 cm) long and 0.5–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) wide, arranged in a fan-like basal cluster resembling a small gladiolus. In summer, arching, branched flower stems rise above the foliage bearing rows of tubular to funnel-shaped flowers 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long in orange, red, or yellow, arranged in a zigzag pattern along the stem. The chain of interconnected corms spreads laterally each season; established clumps can become congested within 3–5 years, reducing flowering. Most garden crocosmia are hybrids, predominantly Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora (a cross of C. aurea x C. pottsii). Vigorous hybrids can naturalize and spread aggressively in mild climates; they are considered invasive in parts of the Pacific Northwest and British Isles.

Native Range

The genus is native to southern and eastern Africa, from South Africa north through Zimbabwe and Tanzania. Species grow in moist grasslands, stream banks, rocky slopes, and open scrubland at varying elevations. C. aurea and C. pottsii, the primary parents of most garden hybrids, are native to South Africa.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in mixed perennial borders at 6–8 inch (15–20 cm) spacing for mid-border color in July and August. The arching stems make excellent long-lasting cut flowers. In mild climates (zones 7–9), can naturalize in meadow settings, though vigorous hybrids may require periodic management to prevent spreading beyond intended areas.

How to Identify

Identified by sword-shaped, ribbed leaves 12–36 inches (30–90 cm) long arranged in a basal fan, and arching flower stems bearing rows of tubular orange, red, or yellow flowers in a zigzag arrangement. Chains of small, interconnected corms 0.5–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) across are revealed when clumps are lifted. Foliage resembles a small gladiolus but the zigzag flower arrangement is distinctive.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

orange
red
yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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Summer
Blooms July through August in zones 5–8; earlier in zones 8–9 (June–July). Individual flower stems remain in bloom for 2–3 weeks; established clumps produce multiple stems in succession over 4–6 weeks. Hummingbirds and long-tongued pollinators visit flowers regularly. Seed capsules develop in fall and split open to reveal orange-red seeds.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

orange, red, yellow

Foliage Description

medium green, ribbed

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant corms 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) deep and 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) apart in full sun to light shade in moist, well-drained soil. In zones 5–6, plant in a sheltered location and mulch corms 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) deep after the first frost. In zones 4 and colder, lift corms after the first frost, allow to dry for 2–3 days, and store in a cool, frost-free location (40–50°F / 4–10°C) in barely moist peat or vermiculite. Divide congested clumps every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigorous flowering. Water during dry spells; established clumps in mild climates require little supplemental water.

Pruning

Leave foliage intact until it yellows and dies back naturally in fall; the leaves photosynthesize energy that replenishes the corms for the following season. Cut all foliage to ground level in late fall after it has died back, or in early spring. Divide clumps by lifting the entire mass and separating individual corm chains; replant immediately at original depth.

Pruning Schedule

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fallearly spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets