Crocosmia x 'Lucifer'
Montbretia
Plant Family:
Iridaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Flower:
Red
Blooms :
Jul
to:
Jul
Tubular, nodding, scarlet red, one-sided flowers borne along the upper portions of stiffly arching, sometimes branched, flower scapes (stems)
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
No
Foliage:
Green
Deciduous
Pat Kolling
Narrow, sword-shaped, basal leaves
Oregon Native?
No
West State Native?
No
Crocosmia is a genus of about 7 species of cormous plants from grasslands in South Africa. 'Lucifer' is an Alan Bloom hybrid (Crocosmia x Curtonus) which has flowers and foliage that are similar to gladiolus.
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
5
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Partial Sun
Deer Resistant?
Yes
Firewise?
No
Height:
2-3'
Spread:
12-24"
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Soil:
Grow in medium moisture, moderately fertile, well-drained soil
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Fertilizer:
Mulch:
Protect roots with a thick layer of mulch.
Long Term:
Divide every 3 to 4 years in early spring.
Winter:
Not reliably winter hardy in USDA Zone 5 where it needs a protected location and winter mulch. In order to insure winter survival in USDA Zone 5 and perhaps Zone 6A, digging up the corms in fall and storing them in a dry medium over winter (in somewhat th
Spring:
Plant corms in spring after last frost date approximately 3-4? deep and 6? apart. Remove old foliage before new growth appears in early spring.
Summer:
Remove bloom stalks after flowers fade.
Fall:
Common Problems
Diseases:
Insects:
Spider mites can cause significant damage to the foliage, and, if left unchecked, can impair normal flowering.
Also called: