Montbretia Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Buttercup'
ABOUT
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Buttercup', commonly known as Montbretia 'Buttercup', is a distinctive perennial plant that boasts a vibrant and showy appearance. This cultivar is celebrated for its eye-catching flowers and lush foliage. The leaves are long, blade-like, and arching, creating a fountain-like effect with a rich green hue that provides a perfect backdrop for the blossoms. The flowers of Montbretia 'Buttercup' are the plant's most alluring feature. They bloom in a sunny shade of yellow that truly lives up to the name 'Buttercup'. Each flower consists of a set of flared and funnel-shaped petals, creating an elegant and slightly ruffled look. These petals are arranged in a gracefully descending fashion on one side of the flowering stems, giving the illusion of a one-sided spike or raceme. These striking racemes are composed of several individual blooms that open progressively from the bottom upward, extending the flowering season and visual interest of the plant. The blossoms are not only visually appealing but are also known to attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees to the garden, adding life and movement to the setting. Montbretia 'Buttercup' is often appreciated for its ability to bring a dash of warmth and tropical flair to beds, borders, and containers where it is grown, thanks to its bold flower color and graceful foliage. When in full bloom, the plant displays a burst of summery radiance that can be a feature in any garden design, acting as a magnet for garden admirers and a conversation starter.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Montbretia, Coppertips, Falling Stars.
Common names
Montbretia 'Buttercup', Tritonia × crocosmiiflora 'Buttercup'.
ToxicityTo humans
Montbretia ('Buttercup') is not significantly toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or serious adverse effects from ingesting this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption should be avoided, as individual sensitivities can vary and it is generally not intended for human consumption.
To pets
Montbretia ('Buttercup') is also not known to be significantly toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Although it is not intended for animal consumption and could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested, there is generally low risk of serious poisoning or long-term consequences. It’s always best to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants and to consult with a veterinarian if any unusual signs are observed after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and unique structure to gardens with its bright yellow flowers and arching stems.
- Attracts Wildlife: Draws hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it an appealing choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought-Tolerant: Once established, it has a good tolerance for drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period: Flowers from mid-summer to fall, providing long-lasting visual interest.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for borders, containers, and mass plantings, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Cut Flower Use: Stems are sturdy and long-lasting, making them excellent choices for fresh bouquets and arrangements.
- Deer Resistant: Tends to be resistant to deer, which can be an advantage in areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings or share with others.
- Fast Growing: Establishes and spreads relatively quickly, providing rapid coverage and gratification in the garden.
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. The flowers and leaves may be boiled to extract pigments for dyeing fabrics or paper.
- The plant's sturdy stems can serve as a natural support for other more delicate flowering plants in a mixed flower border.
- Dried Crocosmia flowers can be used in potpourri to add color and a light, fresh fragrance to a room.
- Crocosmia's dried seed pods can be utilized for their interesting shape and texture in floral arrangements and crafts.
- The foliage of the Crocosmia provides a lush green backdrop in photography, making it a useful plant for setting scenes in gardens or natural areas.
- When planted in large numbers, Crocosmia can be used to prevent soil erosion on slopes due to its clumping growth pattern.
- In garden design, the plant can be used to create rhythm and repetition, drawing the eye along a border or pathway with its striking blooms and foliage.
- Crocosmia bulbs can be used as a means of barter or trade among gardening enthusiasts who appreciate rare or unique cultivars.
- The flowers are a source of nectar for bees and butterflies, making them useful in pollinator gardens or as part of biodiversity conservation efforts.
- The plant can serve as a natural pest deterrent; for example, the dense growth can discourage weeds and the flowers may attract predator insects that help control garden pests.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMontbretia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMontbretia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion and Love: The vibrant flowers of the Crocosmia, or "Montbretia," often symbolize a deep passion and fervent love, reflecting their fiery hues that are reminiscent of a burning flame.
- Independence and Freedom: Montbretia's ability to grow and spread rapidly is often viewed as a representation of an independent spirit and the desire for freedom.
- Endurance and Strength: The hardiness and resilience of the Montbretia plant are considered symbolic of endurance and the strength to overcome challenges.
- Warmth and Cheerfulness: Montbretia's bright demeanor and warm-colored blooms can be associated with feelings of joy, positivity, and the warmth of summer.
WaterMontbretia 'Buttercup' prefers consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time, which roughly equals to about 0.5 to 1.5 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the soil conditions. During periods of high heat or drought, you may need to water twice a week. In the winter, reduce watering significantly as the plant goes dormant. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
LightMontbretia 'Buttercup' thrives in full sun to partial shade. An ideal spot would receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some protection from the intense midday sun which can be beneficial in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to poor flowering and weak growth.
TemperatureMontbretia 'Buttercup' does well in a temperature range of about 50°F to 75°F, which are common daytime temperatures in its growing season. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F but may need mulching for frost protection. The plant enjoys typical garden conditions in zones 5 through 9.
PruningMontbretia 'Buttercup' should be pruned to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Remove spent flower stems and dead foliage to promote new growth. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It's not necessary to prune more than once a year unless you're removing damaged or diseased plant parts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Montbretia 'Buttercup' thrives in a soil mix with good drainage, incorporating loam, sand, and compost to encourage healthy growth. The ideal pH for this soil mix should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingMontbretia 'Buttercup' typically does not require frequent repotting. It can be repotted every 3-4 years, or when the clumps become overcrowded to maintain its vibrant blooms.
Humidity & MistingMontbretia 'Buttercup' isn't particularly humidity-sensitive but prefers average ambient humidity. It can thrive outdoors where humidity fluctuates naturally, without requiring any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Montbretia 'Buttercup' emerges from corms, which sprout in the spring, developing into green, sword-shaped leaves. By mid to late summer, arching stems bearing sprays of vibrant, yellow, funnel-shaped flowers begin to bloom, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, the plant sets seed capsules, which eventually dry and release seeds that can germinate to produce new plants. As autumn progresses, the foliage of Crocosmia 'Buttercup' dies back, with the plant entering a dormant phase over winter. The corms survive underground during this period, storing energy for the next growth cycle. In the following spring, the cycle begins anew with the sprouting of fresh shoots from the corms.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Buttercup', commonly known as Montbretia 'Buttercup', is often propagated by division, which is best done in the spring. This process involves digging up the clump of corms, which are the plant's bulb-like storage organs, after the foliage has died back or just before new growth begins. Gently separate the corms by hand, making sure that each new section has at least one growing point. These divided corms can then be replanted immediately at a depth of around 3 to 5 inches (approximately 7.6 to 12.7 centimeters), spacing them about 6 to 8 inches apart (15.2 to 20.3 centimeters) to give them enough room to grow. Water the newly planted corms thoroughly to help establish them. This method allows gardeners to quickly multiply their Montbretia 'Buttercup' plants and is particularly effective because it also rejuvenates older clumps that may have become overcrowded.
