Montbretia Crocosmia masoniorum

Water

Crocosmias, commonly known as montbretia, should be watered deeply to encourage root development but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent rot. Initially, after planting and during active growth in the spring and summer, montbretia typically requires about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. During hot or dry weather, increase watering to twice a week. Cut back on watering as the plant goes dormant in late summer to fall. On average, providing around 0.5 gallons of water per square foot every week during the growing season will be sufficient, tapering off as growth slows.

Light

Montbretia thrives in full sun conditions where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for these plants is in a sunny border or an open area that is not shaded by larger plants or structures. They can tolerate partial shade but will bloom less vigorously and may become leggy as they stretch towards the light.

Temperature

Montbretia prefers temperate climates and can generally withstand temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Montbretia bulbs are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, where the temperature conditions align well with their preferred range.

Pruning

Montbretia benefits from pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Additionally, cutting back the foliage after it has yellowed and withered in the fall helps to tidy up the plant and prepare it for winter. The best time to prune montbretia is after flowering, and again as the plant dies back at the end of the growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Montbretia, the common name for Crocosmia masoniorum, thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A good recipe for the soil mix includes two parts loam, one part peat or compost, and one part sharp sand to ensure proper drainage. The pH level for Montbretia should be slightly acidic to neutral, roughly between 6.0 and 7.0.

Repotting

Montbretia typically does not need to be repotted frequently. It should be repotted or divided every 3 to 4 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain the health of the corms. Repotting also provides an opportunity to refresh the soil and remove any dead or decaying material.

Humidity & Misting

Montbretia prefers outdoor conditions where the humidity is naturally provided by the environment. It does not have specific humidity requirements and is quite adaptable, but it thrives in areas with moderate humidity. No need for additional humidity control measures when grown outdoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow Montbretia in well-draining soil, bright indirect light.

• Outdoor

  Plant Montbretia in full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

Crocosmia 'Lucifer,' commonly known for its bright red flowers, begins its life cycle as a corm, a bulb-like underground storage organ, which sprouts in spring to produce sword-shaped leaves. The leaves grow rapidly as the weather warms up, followed by the development of tall flowering stems that bear the distinctive red, tubular flowers by mid to late summer. These flowers are a magnet for pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Once pollination occurs, the flowers wilt and seed pods may form, although Crocosmia frequently propagates through corm offsets rather than seeds. As temperatures drop towards autumn, the foliage begins to die back and the plant enters a period of dormancy. During winter, the corms rest underground, surviving cold temperatures to repeat the cycle again the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The montbretia (Crocosmia masoniorum) can be propagated by dividing its corms. The ideal time for propagation is in the spring when the threat of frost has passed and the soil is beginning to warm. To propagate, dig up the corms and gently separate them, making sure each section has at least one growth point. Plant the corms about 3 to 5 inches (8-13 centimeters) deep and 6 to 8 inches (15-20 centimeters) apart in well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade. Water the newly planted corms thoroughly to establish them. This method of division helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become too dense, and it is an effective way to produce new plants that will bloom in the following season.