Planting and Nurturing Crocosmia: The Ultimate Guide

Crocosmia is a beautiful plant that is known for its graceful arching stems and petite flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. It is a favorite among hummingbirds because of its nectar-rich flowers. These easy-to-grow bulbs thrive in midsummer and fall, making them perfect for adding color to your garden when everything else is struggling in the heat. Crocosmia can be grown as an annual in climates other than Zone 6 or above, where they are perennial. Corms are the best way to get a variety of cultivars, although some nurseries offer small plants in pots.

To grow crocosmia, pick a location in full sun with well-drained and slightly acidic soil. Plant a clump of crocosmia alongside other boldly colored late-summer bloomers such as black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, dahlia, and blanket flower. Plant the corms 3 to 5 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches apart, enriching the soil with compost before planting if necessary. Water regularly but do not overwater, and keep the soil moist. Crocosmia blooms best in full sun except in hot climates, where it benefits from some afternoon shade.

Crocosmia is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much effort besides adequate watering. It can be grown in pots, but it is better to plant it in the garden for ultimate survival. The plant does not need to be fertilized as too many nutrients can lead to excessive foliage growth with no blooms. Remove spent flower stalks for a neater appearance but leave the foliage on the plant until it dies back naturally. Propagate the plant by dividing the corms every three or four years just before new growth starts. Crocosmia is deer-resistant, but spider mites may be a problem. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil has excellent drainage.

Meet Peter Krumhardt’s ‘Ember Glow’ Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora plant, which boasts of stunning scarlet flowers that face upwards and have golden throats. This beauty is best suited for zones 6-9. Additionally, the ‘Lucifer’ Crocosmia is another exceptional plant to check out.

Looking for a vibrant addition to your garden? Check out the hybrid plant known as ‘Lucifer’ (Crocosmia x Curtonus). With its scarlet flowers arranged in arching spikes, this plant blooms from mid- to late summer and stands at 3 to 4 feet tall. Even better, it’s more resilient in winter than the standard species. ‘Lucifer’ thrives in zones 5-9, so get ready to add some fiery flair to your outdoor space. Another notable Crocosmia hybrid is ‘Meteore’.

Laurie Black recommends the ‘Meterore’ Crocosmia, which boasts bright yellow-orange blooms and red throats. This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and is ideal for Zones 6-10. To complement this vibrant plant, you can also consider adding some Asters to your garden. These easy-to-grow plants come in various shapes and sizes, making them adaptable to any garden style. While some species bloom during early spring, most varieties display their spectacular flowers from late summer until fall when other summer blooms start fading. Asters are best suited for Zones 3-9. Another great addition to your garden is the Flowering Tobacco. These plants are well-known for their sweet-scented flowers and are often found in cottage and moon gardens. They add a splash of color and scent to your garden all season long. Although they are botanically perennials, they are typically grown as annuals in most areas and best suited for Zones 10-11. Finally, Globe Thistles are also worth considering as they have composite blooms that look like large flower heads made up of smaller flowers grouped together. When fully bloomed, these flowers attract pollinators, making them an excellent choice for garden beds. They also add height to border gardens and tolerate poor soil conditions. Globe Thistles are best suited for Zones 3-10 and make a dramatic centerpiece in your garden.