crocosmia

Crocosmia is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae), commonly known as crocosmia or montbretia. Native to southern Africa, particularly the Cape Provinces, the genus is widely cultivated as an ornamental perennial and has naturalized in many temperate regions. The best known member is the hybrid Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora, sold as Montbretia, which typically features arching spikes of bright orange to red flowers.

Crocosmia plants are herbaceous perennials that grow from subterranean corms. They form clumps of long, sword-shaped leaves and send up slender flower stalks that bear tubular, funnel-shaped flowers in loose panicles. Flowers open sequentially along the spike, producing a long bloom period in summer to autumn in suitable climates. The color range includes orange, red, and copper tones, with some cultivars offering yellow or bicolored blooms.

Cultivation notes emphasize sun and well-drained soil. They prefer regular moisture during the growing season but are relatively drought-tolerant once established. Plant corms about 5–10 cm deep and 10–15 cm apart, in spring or autumn in milder regions; in colder areas, mulch and protection may be required. Propagation is commonly by division of clumps or by corm offsets; seeds may be collected from some cultivars but often show limited variation.

Invasiveness is a consideration in warm temperate to subtropical areas, where Montbretia can spread aggressively and outcompete native vegetation. Management includes removing spent flowers, careful division of clumps, and disposal of plant material to prevent unintended spread.