Montbretia Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Babylon'
ABOUT
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Babylon' is a visually striking flowering plant with a bold and vibrant appearance. It features arching stems adorned with long, sword-shaped leaves that present a rich green color, creating a lush and dense foliage. The true spectacle of this plant, however, lies in its blooms. The flowers emerge in a fiery display of color, typically a deep, glowing orange or red. These trumpet-shaped blooms are gracefully arranged along one side of the branched stems, opening in succession over a period of time to extend the show of color. The overall impression of the Babylon variety of Crocosmia is one of drama and intensity. The flowers are particularly attractive to garden enthusiasts and pollinators alike, such as hummingbirds and bees, who are drawn to their vivid hues and nectar. The plant exudes an exotic flair and can add a touch of the tropics to any garden setting, often used as a focal point because of its eye-catching flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Montbretia, Coppertips, Falling Stars
Common names
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Babylon'.
ToxicityTo humans
Montbretia is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of adverse effects from ingesting this plant. Therefore, ingestion is not expected to lead to poisoning or produce harmful symptoms in humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is always wise to be cautious and avoid eating plants not known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Montbretia is not commonly listed as a toxic plant for pets. There should be minimal risk if pets, such as dogs or cats, ingest parts of this plant. However, it's always best practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as they might cause digestive upset or an allergic reaction in some animals due to individual sensitivities. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of this plant and is showing symptoms of distress, it's advisable to consult with a veterinarian.
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
5-9
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Crocosmia 'Babylon' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are beneficial for pollination.
- Vibrant Color: Its bright red-orange flowers can add vivid shades to the garden and are particularly striking during its blooming season in the summer.
- Ease of Care: This plant is relatively easy to grow and care for, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Crocosmia 'Babylon' can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Architectural Interest: The plant's sword-like foliage and tall, arching stems provide a distinctive and appealing structure in garden design.
- Cut Flower: Its long lasting blooms are ideal for cut flower arrangements, holding their color and form well when indoors.
- Naturalizing: Crocosmia 'Babylon' has the ability to naturalize over time, spreading to create larger displays without needing to be replanted.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Natural Dyes: Crocosmia's brightly colored flowers, especially when crushed, can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and yarn.
- Artistic Inspiration: Crocosmia's vibrant blooms and unique structure often inspire artists and photographers, making it a common subject in botanical art and photography.
- Garden Borders: The tall and arching foliage of Crocosmia can be used to create striking borders and edges in garden design.
- Floral Arrangements: Crocosmia flowers are long-lasting when cut, making them a popular choice for adding a dash of color to indoor floral arrangements.
- Culinary Garnish: While not widely known for its culinary uses, the blooms can be used as a decorative garnish for plates, adding a touch of color to various dishes.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system of Crocosmia can help stabilize soil, making it useful for planting in areas prone to erosion.
- Attracting Wildlife: Crocosmia flowers can attract hummingbirds and beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden, promoting pollination.
- Parcel Fillers: Dried stems and seed heads of Crocosmia can be repurposed as decorative fillers in parcels or as protective padding for delicate items.
- Teaching Tool: Crocosmia can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology and the ecology of pollination due to its attractiveness to wildlife.
- Ecological Landscaping: As part of a low-maintenance and wildlife-friendly garden, Crocosmia contributes to biodiversity and natural landscaping practices.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMontbretia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMontbretia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: Crocosmia, also known as Montbretia, often symbolizes ardor and love due to its fiery red and orange colors, reminiscent of a burning flame.
- Vibrancy: With its vivid hues, Montbretia conveys a sense of vibrancy and life, often inspiring energy and dynamism in its surroundings.
- Endurance: Montbretia is a hardy plant capable of thriving in various conditions, symbolizing resilience and the ability to endure challenges.
- Independence: Its ability to spread and grow independently may be considered symbolic of self-reliance and autonomy.
WaterThe Montbretia 'Babylon' should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. Aim for about 1 inch of water once a week, increasing frequency during periods of extreme heat or drought. Use a watering can or hose to apply water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering to minimize leaf wetness and potential disease. During the fall and winter months when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging. Always check the soil moisture level before watering; the top inch of soil should be dry to the touch before the next watering.
LightMontbretia 'Babylon' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, which promotes healthy growth and vibrant blooms. If placed in too much shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers. An area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade can also be suitable, especially in regions with intense midday heat.
TemperatureMontbretia 'Babylon' prefers moderate temperatures and thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. The plant can withstand minimum temperatures down to about -20°F but may need mulching for protection in colder zones. The ideal temperature range for flourishing growth is between 60°F and 70°F during the day. Extreme heat above 90°F may require additional watering to keep the plant healthy.
PruningPrune Montbretia 'Babylon' to remove spent flower stems and dead foliage to maintain plant health and appearance. The best time for pruning is in late fall or early spring before new growth starts. Cut back the foliage to about 4 to 6 inches from the ground after the leaves have died back naturally. Pruning promotes better air circulation and can stimulate new growth in the next growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMontbretia 'Babylon' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with equal parts of loam, peat, and sharp sand, enhancing drainage and fertility. The ideal pH for this soil mix should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Adding organic matter can help to create the nutrient-rich environment that montbretias favor for optimal growth.
RepottingMontbretia 'Babylon' typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound and the clumps appear overcrowded. Repotting in the spring allows the plant to establish in the new soil before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingMontbretia 'Babylon' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier air conditions typically found in most home environments without requiring additional humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright light, keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, ensure good drainage.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Montbretia 'Babylon' begins its life cycle as a corm, which is a bulb-like storage organ that sprouts in spring. It generates sword-like green leaves and then erects stems that will bear the distinctive fiery orange to red flowers. After pollination, typically involving hummingbirds and insects drawn to its bright blooms, the plant may produce seeds. As the flowering ends, the plant begins to die back for the dormant period, with foliage turning brown and withering away in late autumn. The corm remains dormant through winter, drawing on stored nutrients to survive the cold. In the following spring, the cycle resumes as new growth emerges from the corm to start the process anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The Montbretia 'Babylon' can be propagated by dividing its corms, which is the most popular method for this plant. Division is best done in the late winter or early spring before the plant begins active growth. To propagate by corm division, carefully dig up the plant and separate the corms by gently pulling them apart, making sure that each division has at least one growth point. You may also find small cormels attached to the base of the larger corms, which can be removed and planted separately. After separating, replant the corms about 5 inches (approximately 13 centimeters) deep and 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil. This method allows the gardener to increase their stock of Montbretias and rejuvenate older clumps that may have become overcrowded, thus maintaining their vigor and flowering capacity.
