Falling Stars Crocosmia paniculata

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Crocosmia paniculata, commonly known as falling stars or coppertips, is a flowering plant known for its striking appearance. This plant features long, arching, sword-like green leaves that create a lush backdrop for the eye-catching flowers. The leaves are linear and basal, emanating directly from the ground and forming an attractive tuft. Its flowers are perhaps its most notable feature, blooming in a fiery array of colors typically ranging from vibrant red to bright orange and yellow. They are small yet showy, delicately shaped like funnels clustered along one side of the flower stalks, which emerge from the base of the plant. Each individual bloom is characterized by a narrow tube that flares open into a set of six outward-curving lobes that give the flower a star-like formation, hence the common name "falling stars." Coppertips produce flowers that are held aloft on slender, branched stalks, creating a visually stunning display of color that seems to dance above the foliage. The arrangement of the flowers on the stalks offers a sense of rhythm and movement, with the progression of the blooms giving an impression of cascading colors. In summary, Coppertips is a visually striking plant that stands out with its vivid, warm-toned flowers and graceful, sword-shaped leaves. The combination of these features adds an exotic and tropical flair to any setting without mentioning its dimensions.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Falling Stars, Kaffir Lily
- Common names
  Crocosmia aurea subsp. paniculata, Tritonia paniculata.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Crocosmia, commonly known as the falling stars or montbretia, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, some people might experience a mild stomach upset or allergic reaction if they ingest parts of the plant. It is always advised to exercise caution and avoid eating any part of ornamental plants unless they are known to be edible.
- To pets
  For pets, Crocosmia, also referred to as falling stars or montbretia, is not known to be highly toxic. Nevertheless, as with humans, some pets might have a sensitivity and could potentially suffer from gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of the plant. Signs of distress could include vomiting or diarrhea. Owners should monitor their pets and keep the plants out of their reach to prevent any potential issues.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Orange
- Height
  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  5-9
- Native area
  South Africa

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: Crocosmia, also known as Montbretia, is known for its bright, tubular flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, aiding in pollination.
- Landscape Beautification: Montbretia adds a splash of vibrant color to gardens with its striking red, orange, or yellow blooms, enhancing visual interest.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering and making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Montbretia is considered easy to grow and does not require frequent care, making it a good choice for busy gardeners.
- Erosion Control: The clumping growth habit of Montbretia can help in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil displacement.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of Montbretia make excellent cut flowers for arrangements due to their bright colors and long vase life.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Crocosmia, commonly known as falling stars or montbretia, is often used in the floral industry for its attractive and long-lasting cut flowers which add a vibrant touch to bouquets and floral arrangements.
- The tall and clumping nature of this plant can create natural garden borders or partitioning within a garden setting.
- Due to its bright and showy flowers, montbretia can be used to create a focal point or to add color to a perennial garden bed.
- Gardeners might use these plants in a 'hot' garden color scheme, alongside other plants with warm-hued flowers like reds, oranges, and yellows.
- The plant can act as a backdrop to other lower-growing plants in a garden bed, given its height and upright form.
- Montbretia can be used in xeriscaping, as it can tolerate short periods of drought once established, making it a choice for low-water gardens.
- Its vibrant flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, providing an ecological service in supporting pollinator populations.
- Montbretia's dried seed heads and foliage can be used in dried floral arrangements and crafts for a rustic, natural look.
- Some homeowners might plant montbretia to prevent soil erosion on slopes thanks to its clumping and spreading habit.
- Montbretia is sometimes used in educational settings such as school gardens, to teach students about plant growth and the importance of pollinators in the environment.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Crocosmia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Crocosmia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Attraction and Desire: The Crocosmia, with its fiery red or orange blossoms, is often associated with attraction and passion. The vibrant colors evoke feelings of desire, suggesting an alluring presence or a magnetic charm.
- Boldness and Drama: Crocosmias are striking plants, and their bold colors and distinctive shape symbolize a sense of drama and showmanship. They represent an ability to captivate and make a memorable impact.
- Survival and Resilience: As hardy perennials, Crocosmias reflect qualities of endurance and the capacity to thrive even in adverse conditions. They signify resilience in the face of challenges.
- Vibrancy and Energetic Life: The exuberant blooms of the Crocosmia convey a zest for life and energetic vivacity. They inspire a feeling of exultation and an embrace of the joys of living.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Crocosmia, commonly known as falling stars or montbretia, prefers consistently moist soil, especially during the spring and summer growing season. Water these plants deeply about once a week, providing about one to one and a half gallons of water for each plant, depending on the climate and soil type. In hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, while in cooler, moist conditions, less frequent watering may be required. During the dormant winter season, reduce watering significantly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent bulb rot.
Light
Falling stars thrive best in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot where they can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. If you're in a particularly hot climate, some afternoon shade will help protect the plants from excessive heat, ensuring the vibrancy of their blooms and the health of their foliage.
Temperature
Falling stars prefer moderate temperatures and can endure a range from about 50°F to 90°F. These plants are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 and can typically survive minimum winter temperatures down to around -15°F. The ideal temperature range for growing falling stars is between 65°F and 75°F.
Pruning
Prune falling stars to maintain their shape and to remove any spent flowers, which encourages further blooming and prevents self-sowing if desired. The best time for pruning is after flowering has completed, typically in late summer or fall. Cut back faded stems to the base to keep the plants looking tidy. Pruning is not often necessary but can be done annually if preferred.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Falling Star or Montbretia prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam and sand; add organic matter to enrich. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 6.5.
Repotting
Montbretia should be repotted every 3 to 4 years to avoid crowding and to refresh the soil.
Humidity & Misting
Montbretia thrives in average humidity levels; it does not require any special humidity considerations.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and regular watering for Montbretia.
- Outdoor
  Plant Montbretia in well-draining soil; full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness zone
  5-9 USDA
Life cycle
Crocosmia, also known as falling stars or coppertips, starts its life cycle as a corm, a bulb-like underground storage organ, that sprouts in early spring. The plant undergoes vegetative growth, producing long, sword-shaped leaves and developing a sturdy stem. Through late spring and summer, the Crocosmia enters its flowering stage, where vividly colored, tubular flowers bloom, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers fade and the plant produces capsules of seeds, marking its reproductive stage. The seeds can be dispersed to produce new plants, while the original corms can also produce offsets, contributing to the spread of Crocosmia. As temperatures drop in the fall, the plant enters dormancy, with the aerial parts dying back, and the cycle restarts with the corms overwintering underground until the next growing season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to summer
- Propogation: Crocosmia, commonly known as montbretia, is often propagated through the division of its corms. The best time for this process is in the spring, just before new growth begins. To propagate montbretia, carefully dig up the corm clumps when the plant is not in active growth, and gently separate the corms by hand. Each corm should have a portion of the basal plate to ensure that it has the potential to develop into a new plant. Once separated, the corms can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 3 to 5 inches (around 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) with approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) between each corm to give them ample space to grow. The soil should be well-draining and the corms should be placed in a location with full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. After planting, water the corms thoroughly to help establish them in their new location.