Gardening Flowers Bulbs Crocosmia Attract hummingbirds to your garden with this plant. By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on December 21, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email Colorful Combinations Crocosmia's sword-shape leaves and thin, arching stems offer great contrast to other garden plants in beds and containers. Plant a clump of crocosmia alongside other boldly colored late-summer bloomers such as black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), coreopsis, dahlia, and blanket flower (Gaillardia × grandiflora). Contrasting color companions include aster, flowering tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris), and globe thistle (Echinops bannaticus). Crocosmia Care Must-Knows Crocosmia is hardy in Zones 6 through 10. Some nurseries stock small crocosmia plants in nursery pots but the greatest selection of crocosmia cultivars is usually available as corms. These bulblike structures are planted in spring or fall. When planted in spring, they may not bloom until the following season. Plant crocosmia corms 3 to 5 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches apart in full sun and moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Prior to planting, you may need to enrich the soil by incorporating a 2-inch layer of well-decomposed compost. For the best bloom show and quick, easy planting, plant a dozen or more of the same cultivar in a trench. Staking is sometimes required for the tallest crocosmia cultivars. Sink a stake into the ground near the corms and loosely tie about three flower stems to it using garden twine. Crocosmia is known for its ability to multiply quickly. Plan to dig and divide corms every three or four years in early spring just before growth starts. Replant the corms or share extras with friends. Cut-Flower Tips Crocosmia's arching stems make it a unique addition to any flower arrangement. Give this plant extra care right after cutting and it will last for more than a week in a vase. First, cut stems when the first few flowers at the bottom of the spike are just opening. Remove the leaves from the stems and recut them. Immerse the stems in warm water up to the point where the flowers emerge. Place the vase in a cool, dark place for 48 hours, then move it to a bright spot and enjoy your handiwork. Make Sure You Include These Long-Lasting Cut Flowers in All of Your Arrangements More Varieties of Crocosmia Crocosmia Overview Description Calling all hummingbirds! Crocosmias' graceful arching stems of petite red, orange and yellow flowers are beacons to hummers in search of a nectar-rich meal. These easy-to-grow corms (a bulb-like structure) unfurl their fiery flowers in midsummer and fall when the rest of the garden is often languishing in the heat. Count on crocosmia, also called montbretia, to add a burst of color and whimsical interest year-after-year. Genus Name Crocosmia Common Name Crocosmia Plant Type Bulb Light Sun Height 1 to 3 feet Width null to 3 feet Flower Color Green, Orange, Red, Yellow Foliage Color Blue/Green Season Features Summer Bloom Special Features Attracts Birds, Cut Flowers, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance Zones 10, 6, 7, 8, 9 Propagation Division Problem Solvers Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Good For Privacy 'Ember Glow' Crocosmia Peter Krumhardt Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Ember Glow' has vibrant upward-facing scarlet flowers that open wide to reveal golden throats. Zones 6-9 'Lucifer' Crocosmia Bill Stites Crocosmia 'Lucifer' offers arching spikes of scarlet flowers in mid- to late summer. It grows 3 to 4 feet tall. Zones 6-9 'Meteore' Crocosmia Laurie Black Crocosmia 'Meterore' bears bright yellow-orange blooms with red throats. It grows 3 feet tall. Zones 6-10 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit