Crocosmia are a clump forming summer flowering bulb usually with yellow, red or orange flowers. Crocosmia lucifer, masoniorum and aurea are all popular cultivars or species.
Related to Iris these are a very easy to grow bulb originally from South Africa. Tall and thriving in full sun to a little shade they do reproduce from corms and will spread in the garden. Over time clumps will become overcrowded and less floriferous, this is the time to divide them.
Regarded by some as invasive you do need to take care to choose the cultivars that are less vigorous.
The hybrid, Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora also known as Monbrieta, has been declared a weed in many areas. Cultivars such as Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ with its scarlet red flowers are said to be non invasive.
Growing Conditions
Best grown in full sun, however they will grow in part shade as well.
Here we look at Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’
- Position – Full sun to part shade.
- Soil – Best in a humus rich soil, however they will grow in poor soils.
- Flowing period – Spring to summer and through to autumn.
- Flowers -Red on terminal spikes.
- Foliage – Tall sword like and pleated.
- Drought tolerant – Yes, although some water during summer is beneficial.
- Frost tolerant – Yes.
Crocosmia are available for sale from the following nurseries
Large range of Rare, Unusual and Old Fashioned Perennials. Includes Artemisias, Achilleas, Geraniums, Geums, Salvias, Penstemon and Francoa.
www.yellowhouseheritageperennials.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au