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Crocosmia 'Lucifer'
Lucifer Crocosmia
Hybrid of garden origin; bred Bressingham Gardens, England, 1966
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Overview
Crocosmia 'Lucifer' is a vigorous, clump-forming, cormous perennial reaching 36–48 inches (90–120 cm) tall with a spread of 18–24 inches (45–60 cm). The cultivar is the tallest Crocosmia in commerce and is stocked by most general-perennial nurseries in the UK and US—the commercial standard against which other red-flowered cultivars are described. Intensely scarlet-red, tubular flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) long open in dense, arching sprays in July–August. The flower stems arch outward and upward in a fountain-like display that extends 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) beyond the vertical foliage. Leaves are sword-shaped and pleated, 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) long, bright green. Growth rate is fast. The plant spreads vigorously by corm offsets and forms large colonies over 3–5 years—more aggressive spread than any other commercial Crocosmia. Cold hardiness extends to zone 5 without mulch, a range that covers more of the northern US than other cultivars in the genus. Bred by Alan Bloom of Bressingham Gardens in Norfolk, England, in 1966 from a cross involving C. paniculata and C. masoniorum; received the RHS Award of Garden Merit. In mild, moist climates—the Pacific Northwest coast and parts of the British Isles—the cultivar naturalizes aggressively and appears on some regional invasive-plant lists.
Native Range
Crocosmia 'Lucifer' is a hybrid of garden origin, bred by Alan Bloom at Bressingham Gardens, Norfolk, England, and released in 1966. The parent species (C. paniculata × C. masoniorum) are native to southern Africa.Suggested Uses
Planted in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and mass plantings at 8–12 inch (20–30 cm) spacing. The tall, arching flower sprays carry back-of-border scale and pair with other large late-summer perennials such as Echinacea purpurea and ornamental grasses. Grows in large containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). The intense red color draws ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) during their late-summer migration through eastern North America. Mass plantings create a naturalized meadow effect in climates where the species does not escape. Cut flowers last 7–10 days in arrangements. Small, confined beds are a poor fit—the vigorous spread overwhelms adjacent companions within 2–3 seasons. In mild coastal climates, non-spreading cultivars such as 'Star of the East' or 'Emily McKenzie' are the better commercial substitute.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Dense, arching sprays of intensely scarlet-red, tubular flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) long open in July–August. Bloom duration is 4–6 weeks. Flowers open sequentially along the arching stem from base to tip.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Intense scarlet-red, tubular, arching spraysFoliage Description
Bright green, sword-shaped, pleated, 24-36 inches longGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Corms are planted 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) deep in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Full sun produces the heaviest flowering. The vigorous spreading habit requires active management—division every 2–3 years or containment within a root barrier sunk 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) deep prevents the clump from overtaking adjacent plantings. Naturalizes aggressively in mild, moist climates such as coastal Pacific Northwest and the British Isles; regional invasive-plant lists in Washington, Oregon, and parts of the UK name this cultivar, so regional checks before planting are worthwhile. The tallest flower stems may need staking in windy sites. Cold hardiness extends to zone 5 without mulch. No serious pest or disease problems.Pruning
Spent flower stalks are cut after blooming. Foliage is left until it yellows in fall, then removed. Excess corm offsets are dug out annually during spring growth to limit lateral spread; offsets removed early are easier to extract than established clumps.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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fall
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons