Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
7 - 9These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Crocosmia crocea (syn. Tritonia crocea) is a cormous perennial in the Iridaceae family, growing 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall from chains of small, flattened corms. Leaves are sword-shaped, ribbed, 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) long and 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm) wide, emerging in a pleated fan arrangement typical of the iris family. Flower stems are arching to nodding, bearing one-sided racemes of 6–12 tubular-funnel-shaped flowers, each 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long. Flower colour is orange-yellow to saffron-orange — the epithet crocea refers to the saffron-like colour. Tepals are reflexed at the tips. The species is smaller and less vigorous than the widely planted hybrid C. x crocosmiiflora (montbretia), and does not share that hybrid's aggressive spreading tendency. Corms multiply by producing chains of 3–6 daughter corms along stolons, but colony expansion is moderate — 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) per year outward. Native to grasslands and rocky slopes in southeastern South Africa. Hardy to approximately 15°F (-9°C) if corms are well-drained and mulched; wetter winter soil reduces cold tolerance. Susceptible to spider mites in hot, dry conditions and to corm rot in waterlogged soil. Less commonly grown than C. x crocosmiiflora or named cultivars like 'Lucifer', but valued for its compact size and restrained spreading habit.
Native Range
Crocosmia crocea is native to southeastern South Africa, in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape, where it grows in grassland, rocky slopes, and forest margins at elevations of 1,500–6,500 feet (500–2,000 m).Suggested Uses
Planted in mixed borders, spaced 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) apart in groups of 10–15 corms for visual impact. The compact size suits the front to middle of borders. Effective in containers (minimum 3 gallons / 11 L) on patios and terraces. Combines with late-summer perennials such as Agapanthus, Helenium, and ornamental grasses. The restrained spreading habit makes it a controlled alternative to the invasive C. x crocosmiiflora.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowers open from late July through August. Each raceme opens sequentially from the base upward over 2–3 weeks. Bloom period spans 3–4 weeks total. Pollinated by long-tongued insects and, in the native habitat, by sunbirds. Capsules containing orange-brown seeds develop by September.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Orange-yellow to saffron-orangeFoliage Description
Medium green, pleatedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant corms 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) deep and 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) apart in spring, after the last frost. Site in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Water regularly during the growing season — 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week. Reduce watering after foliage yellows in autumn. In USDA zones 7–8, corms overwinter in the ground under 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) of mulch. In zone 6, lift corms after foliage dies back and store dry at 40–50°F (5–10°C) over winter. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season. Divide congested clumps every 3–4 years in spring.Pruning
Cut back dead foliage to ground level in late autumn after it yellows completely. Remove spent flower stems after bloom if seed production is not desired. No other pruning is required.Pruning Schedule
J
F
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fall
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons