Montbretia Crocosmia 'Walberton Red'
ABOUT
Crocosmia 'Walberton Red' is a striking perennial known for its vivid blossoms and sword-like foliage. It displays a vibrant red color with each individual flower showing off a funnel-shaped structure, often with a slight throat pattern that can provide an eye-catching contrast to the primary hue of the petals. The flowers are arranged along arching stems in a loose, one-sided sequence that resembles the look of a zigzag or falling staircase, which gives a free-flowing and natural aesthetic to the plant. The leaves are typically bright green, emanating from the base in a fan-like manner, and have a linear form which can add textural interest to the garden landscape. When in bloom, the plant showcases a fiery display of red that can act as focal points in borders or beds, drawing in hummingbirds and other pollinators to the garden. The overall impression is one of energetic vibrancy and exotic allure, with the scarlet tones offering warmth and depth to its surroundings. Crocosmia 'Walberton Red' can indeed become a stunning feature in a garden throughout its blooming period.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Montbretia
Common names
Crocosmia 'Walberton Red'.
ToxicityTo humans
Montbretia, commonly known as Crocosmia 'Walberton Red', is not typically considered toxic to humans. However, plant toxicity can vary, and some individuals might experience mild stomach upset if they ingest parts of the plant. Since there is limited information on the specific hybrid 'Walberton Red', it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid ingesting any parts of the plant. If any part of Montbretia is ingested and symptoms do occur, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
To pets
Montbretia, commonly known as Crocosmia 'Walberton Red', is not widely reported to be toxic to pets either. However, individual animals can react differently, and ingesting the plant could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always a good practice to prevent your pets from eating plants that are not confirmed to be safe. If a pet ingests Montbretia and any symptoms develop, consulting with a veterinarian is recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Crocosmia 'Walberton Red' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden, which helps pollinate other plants.
- Low Maintenance: This perennial is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Crocosmia 'Walberton Red' can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Landscape Color: Provides a vibrant splash of red with its flowers, brightening up garden borders and beds.
- Long Blooming: It has a long flowering season, which ensures consistent color in the landscape throughout the summer.
- Architectural Structure: The sword-shaped foliage and arching flower stems add a striking architectural element to the garden design.
- Easy to Propagate: They can be easily propagated through division, which means gardeners can expand their collection without additional cost.
- Cutting Garden: The stems and flowers of Crocosmia ‘Walberton Red’ are suitable for cutting and can be used in floral arrangements.
- Deer Resistant: These plants are generally not preferred by deer, which makes them a good choice for gardens in areas with deer pressure.
- Versatile Planting Options: Works well in a variety of garden settings, including borders, containers, and as part of a mixed perennial bed.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crocosmia can be used as a natural dye for fabrics and textiles; the flowers and foliage may produce colors ranging from yellow to green.
- The plant's sturdy stems can be incorporated into crafts, such as homemade wreaths or as structural elements in natural art installations.
- Crocosmia flowers can be used as a natural ink for drawing or calligraphy by crushing the petals and mixing with a small amount of water.
- Dried crocosmia flowers create long-lasting arrangements for home decoration without the need for water, maintaining much of their color and shape.
- The plant's dense clumps can provide erosion control on slopes or banks, rooting firmly into the soil to reduce surface runoff.
- Crocosmia's tall and striking foliage can serve as a visual guide or a natural barrier in garden design, creating pathways or defining areas.
- The vibrant blooms are suitable for pressing and can be used in botanical paper making or to make decorative bookmarks.
- When planted en masse, crocosmia can be used to create a habitat corridor for wildlife, offering shelter and sustenance for insects and birds.
- The seed pods of crocosmia, after flowering has finished, can be used as part of dried flower arrangements or for ornamental display in a vase.
- The plant can be incorporated into educational activities, such as studying pollinator attractions or observing the lifecycle of a plant from rhizome to bloom.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Crocosmia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Crocosmia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: The vibrant red flowers of Crocosmia, also known as Montbretia, are commonly associated with feelings of passion due to their fiery color.
- Energy: The bright, bold hues represent liveliness and high energy, reminiscent of the plant's vigorous growth.
- Attraction: Montbretia's striking appearance can symbolize attraction and magnetism, pulling in interest and attention much like its vivid blooms attract pollinators.
- Confidence: With its upright stance and assertive presence in the garden, Crocosmia embodies self-assurance and confidence.
WaterMontbretia should be watered deeply to establish a good root system, usually about 1 inch of water per week. In dry conditions, water Montbretia twice a week to ensure the soil does not dry out completely. It is best to water in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the base of the plant rather than overhead sprinkling. During the winter, when Montbretia is dormant, reduce watering significantly, providing only enough to prevent the soil from becoming bone dry.
LightMontbretia thrives in full sun conditions where it can receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily. The ideal spot for Montbretia is in an area that gets direct sunlight from morning to afternoon. If planted in too much shade, the plant may not bloom as prolifically and the stems can become weak and leggy.
TemperatureMontbretia prefers temperatures between 60°F and 80°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 20°F, while maximum temperatures should ideally not exceed 90°F for extended periods. Planting Montbretia in areas that provide some afternoon shade can help protect it from excessive heat during the peak of summer.
PruningMontbretia should be pruned to remove spent flower stems and to tidy up the plant after flowering is complete. This not only improves the plant's appearance but also helps in preventing diseases by increasing air circulation. Prune in late summer or fall after blooming has finished, or in early spring to remove any winter-damaged foliage and to make way for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMontbretia 'Walberton Red' thrives best in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A recipe could include equal parts loam, peat, and sharp sand to promote good drainage and provide the necessary nutrients.
RepottingMontbretia 'Walberton Red' generally does not need to be repotted often; do so every 2-3 years or when the clumps become overcrowded in the pot.
Humidity & MistingMontbretia 'Walberton Red' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require any special humidity requirements, making it suitable for typical outdoor garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For indoor Montbretia, ensure bright light, occasional watering, and good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant Montbretia in sun, use well-draining soil, and water moderately.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Crocosmia 'Walberton Red', commonly known as Walberton Red Montbretia, begins its life cycle as a corm, a bulb-like storage organ. In spring, it sprouts sword-shaped green leaves, followed by the development of arching stems bearing vibrant red-orange flowers in mid to late summer, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. After pollination, the flowers may produce seed pods, although propagation is commonly through division of the corms. As autumn approaches, the foliage and stems die back as the plant enters dormancy for the winter months. The corms overwinter underground and can multiply, forming clumps that can be divided every few years to maintain vigor or to propagate new plants. With the arrival of the next spring, the cycle begins anew with the corms generating fresh growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early fall
Propogation: Crocosmia 'Walberton Red', often referred to as montbretia, is typically propagated through the division of its corms. The best time for this process is in the spring after the threat of frost has passed or in the fall after the foliage has died back, which allows the plant to establish itself before the onset of winter. To propagate montbretia by division, carefully dig up the clump of corms and gently separate them by hand. Each section should have at least one growth point or bud. Replant the corms at a depth of approximately 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 centimeters) and space them about 6 to 8 inches (15.2 to 20.3 centimeters) apart to ensure enough room for growth. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the corms and keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears.
