Crocosmia x 'Lucifer'
Common Name(s):
Montbretia
Falling Stars
Synonym:
Crocosmia x Curtomus 'Lucifer'
Croscosmia
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
Family:
Iridaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Green
Narrow, sword-shaped, basal leaves
Fall Color?
YES
Flowers into fall, leaves stay green
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
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:
Cultivar so has no native habitat
Soil:
Grow in medium moisture, moderately fertile, well-drained soil
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Fertilizer:
Feed a single balanced slow-release bulb fertilizer in early spring
Mulch:
Protect roots with a thick layer of mulch.
Divide every 3 to 4 years in early spring, dig bulbs in zones colder than 5 and store in a cool, dry place, or let foliage die back in place, provide 1" water per week, fertilize in spring
Long Term:
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
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, Can divide, feed a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for bulbs, mulch, give consistent moisture, place plant supports around clump
Summer:
Needs 1" water per week, leave foliage to die back
Fall:
Cut spent flower heads and stems to base
General Care Comments:
Keep soil evenly moist, give full sun, skip fertilizer, remove spent flower stalks but leave foliage to die back naturally, may require staking, mulch in fall to protect or dig corms and store in a dry, cool place
Common Problems
Flopping or unrully growth
Diseases:
Insects:
Spider mites can cause significant damage to the foliage, and, if left unchecked, can impair normal flowering.
Environmental Problems:
Overwatering leading to root rot, leaf scorch,, aggressive spreading
Pests:
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