Montbretia Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Canary Bird'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Crocosmia 'Canary Bird' boasts vibrant, flared trumpet-shaped flowers that are a bright yellow hue, exuding a tropical charm. These blooms are assembled in graceful, arching sprays which nod elegantly on slender, branched stems, creating a display reminiscent of exotic birds in flight. The foliage of this plant is equally attractive, with sword-like, upright, green leaves that form a dense clump and provide a lush backdrop to the effervescent flowers. The overall impression is one of vivid color and a certain wild, untamed beauty that adds a splash of sunshine to any garden space where they make their home.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Montbretia, Coppertips
- Common names
  Montbretia 'Canary Bird'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Montbretia is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information on severe toxic effects from ingesting this plant. However, as with many plants, it is always possible for sensitive individuals to have an allergic reaction or experience gastrointestinal discomfort if any part of the plant is ingested. It is recommended to avoid consuming this or any other ornamental plant.
- To pets
  Montbretia is not generally listed as toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. However, it is always prudent to prevent pets from ingesting plants not specifically meant for consumption, as they can potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive animals. If a pet is known to have eaten Montbretia and is showing signs of distress, contact a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  5-9
- Native area
  South Africa

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Crocosmia 'Canary Bird', also known as Montbretia, adds a vibrant splash of color to gardens with its bright yellow flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: It serves as an attractant for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Easy to Grow: Montbretia is easy to cultivate and grows well in a variety of soil types, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant has a degree of drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period: Montbretia has a long flowering season, typically from midsummer to early autumn, providing prolonged visual interest.
- Cutting Garden Addition: The flowers are excellent for cutting and using in floral arrangements, bringing the beauty of the garden indoors.
- Architectural Structure: The sword-like foliage and upright flowering stalks of Montbretia add an architectural element to garden designs.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is generally resistant to deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Low Maintenance: Montbretia requires minimal care once established, ideal for busy gardeners or those seeking low-maintenance landscapes.
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 'Canary Bird' can be used as a natural dye; the flowers may yield yellow or orange colors, suitable for dyeing fabrics or even Easter eggs.
- The tall and sturdy stems of Crocosmia can be utilized in basket weaving or as an ornamental addition to handcrafted wreaths.
- The dried seed pods of 'Canary Bird' add an exotic touch to dried floral arrangements or potpourri mixes.
- Crocosmia flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and beneficial insects, making them excellent plants for pollinator gardens.
- With its vibrant flowers, it can be planted in large numbers as a living fence or boundary in a garden landscape.
- Crocosmia can be used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to teach about plant reproduction, given their easily observable seed pods and structures.
- The flowers can be used in photography as a vivid subject for macro photography and nature-inspired art projects.
- In culinary uses, while not widely known for edibility, the flowers can be used as a decorative, non-toxic garnish on plates or cakes for special occasions.
- For environmental education, Crocosmia can illustrate invasive species management, as some varieties can be aggressive and need to be controlled in certain regions.
- The plant can contribute to erosion control on slopes due to its clumping growth habit, helping stabilize soil in gardens or landscapes.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The plant Crocosmia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Crocosmia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Passion and Enthusiasm: The fiery color and vibrant blooms of Crocosmia, commonly known as Montbretia, symbolize a zest for life and intense emotions, often linked to love and passion.
- Attraction and Desire: Montbretia's striking appearance is emblematic of attraction and desire, making it a flower often used to convey a strong, magnetic pull towards someone.
- Confidence and Boldness: The bright and bold nature of Montbretia's flowers reflects a sense of confidence and the courage to stand out from the crowd, representing the audacity to be unique.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Montbretia 'Canary Bird' should be watered thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant at least once a week with about 1-2 gallons, depending on the weather conditions; more frequent watering may be needed during particularly hot or dry periods. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant goes dormant, and during winter, water sparingly, only enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out. Ensure proper drainage to avoid root rot.
Light
Montbretia 'Canary Bird' thrives in full sun to partial shade. A spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal. Areas with morning sun and afternoon shade can also be suitable, as long as the plant receives plentiful light. Avoid deeply shaded locations as this can affect the plant's blooming and overall vitality.
Temperature
Montbretia 'Canary Bird' prefers temperatures between 60-75°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 25°F, but should be protected from harsh frost. The plant can survive up to a maximum temperature of around 90°F, beyond which it may need additional care to prevent stress.
Pruning
Montbretia 'Canary Bird' should be pruned to remove spent flower spikes and maintain plant appearance. After blooming, cut back the flower stalks to the base. Pruning is typically done once a year, late in the growing season or early fall. Pruning helps to encourage new growth for the next season and prevents self-seeding if that is a concern.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Montbretia 'Canary Bird' thrives in a well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Incorporate organic matter like compost for nutrient enrichment. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Repotting
Montbretia 'Canary Bird' is generally not repotted often as it favors being undisturbed. Dividing clumps every 3-4 years in early spring is recommended for garden management.
Humidity & Misting
Montbretia 'Canary Bird' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions to thrive outdoors.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Montbretia 'Canary Bird' needs bright light and good air circulation indoor.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun to light shade, ensure well-draining soil for Montbretia 'Canary Bird'.
- Hardiness zone
  Montbretia 'Canary Bird' suits 5-9 USDA.
Life cycle
Crocosmia 'Canary Bird', also known as Montbretia 'Canary Bird', begins its life cycle as a corm, a bulb-like storage organ, which is planted in the ground. In spring, the corm sprouts into green, sword-shaped leaves and a stem that will eventually bear the distinctive yellow or golden flowers for which the plant is named. During the summer, these flowers bloom, providing a vibrant display of color and offering nectar to pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. After pollination, the flowers fade and seed capsules may develop, although propagation usually occurs through corm division. In the fall, the foliage dies back as the plant goes dormant for the winter, with the corm remaining underground. In the following spring, the cycle begins anew as the corm produces new growth, continuing the perennial life cycle of Crocosmia 'Canary Bird'.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to summer
- Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Canary Bird', commonly known as Canary Bird Crocosmia, is most commonly propagated through division. The optimal time to divide Canary Bird Crocosmia is in the spring after the threat of frost has passed but before the plant resumes active growth. To propagate by division, carefully lift the corms, which are the swollen underground stems of the plant, out of the soil with a garden fork, taking care not to damage them. You'll often find that the corms create chains with the newest corm at the top and older ones beneath. Detach the healthy corms from the chain and discard the older, spent ones. The separated corms can then be replanted about 2 inches (5 centimeters) deep and 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil and a sunny to partially shaded location, making sure the pointed end is facing upwards. Water them thoroughly after planting to help establish the new divisions.