Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Lucifer', red crocosmia
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Perennials

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Lucifer'

red crocosmia

Iridaceae

Hybrid of garden origin; parent species from South Africa

At a Glance

TypeBulb
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height3-4 feet (90-120 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 vigorous cormous perennial cultivar selected for its intensely red flowers, larger stature, and improved hardiness compared to many hybrid crocosmias. Plants form dense clumps from chains of interconnected corms, producing upright, sword-shaped, pleated leaves 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) long in a fan-like arrangement. In midsummer, strong, branching flower stems rise 3–4 feet (90–120 cm), each bearing 2–3 arching lateral branches with rows of tubular flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) long in vivid flame red, arranged in a zigzag pattern. Individual flowers open from the base of each spike upward over 2–3 weeks. 'Lucifer' is among the most cold-tolerant montbretia cultivars, reliable to zone 5 with winter mulching. Corms multiply rapidly; established clumps become congested within 3–4 years and require division to maintain flowering vigor. Naturalizes readily in mild climates and can spread beyond intended planting areas.

Native Range

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora is a hybrid of garden origin, derived from a cross between C. aurea and C. pottsii, both native to South Africa. 'Lucifer' was raised by Alan Bloom of Bressingham Gardens, England, and introduced in 1966.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in mixed perennial borders at 6–8 inch (15–20 cm) spacing for bold mid-border color from July through August. The vivid red flowers pair effectively with yellow and orange late-season perennials. Arching stems are excellent in cut flower arrangements, lasting 7–10 days in water. Can naturalize in informal meadow settings in zones 7–9; monitor spread in mild climates.

How to Identify

Identified by upright, sword-shaped, pleated leaves 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) in a fan arrangement and branching stems 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) tall bearing zigzag rows of vivid flame-red tubular flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) long. The intense red color distinguishes 'Lucifer' from orange- and yellow-flowered crocosmia cultivars. Chains of small corms 0.5–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) across connect underground.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

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, with peak bloom typically in mid-July. Flowers open from the base of each spike to the tip over 2–3 weeks. In zones 8–9, bloom may begin in late June. Individual stems remain showy for 3–4 weeks; established clumps with multiple stems bloom over 4–6 weeks total. Persistent orange-red seed capsules extend ornamental interest through September.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

vivid flame red

Foliage Description

medium green, pleated

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 5-8 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 in moist, well-drained soil. In zones 5–6, mulch 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) deep over the planting area after the first hard frost to improve winter survival. In zone 4 and colder, lift corms after frost, dry for 2–3 days, and store at 40–50°F (4–10°C) in barely moist peat or vermiculite. Water during dry spells in the first growing season; established clumps tolerate brief dry periods. Divide congested clumps every 3–4 years in early spring before growth begins by lifting the entire mass and separating corm chains. Replant immediately at original depth.

Pruning

Leave foliage intact through fall to allow photosynthesis to recharge the corms; do not cut back green leaves. Remove spent flower stems at the base after seed capsules have been enjoyed for fall interest, or leave them for birds. Cut all foliage to ground level in late fall after it dies back naturally, or in early spring. Divide every 3–4 years.

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