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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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
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, yellowFoliage Description
medium green, ribbedGrowing 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 3–5 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
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fallearly spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons