Montbretia Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Coleton Fishacre'
ABOUT
The Crocosmia 'Coleton Fishacre' is a striking perennial plant characterized by its vivid and colorful flowers and elegant foliage. The plant produces arching stems and slender, sword-like leaves that have a vibrant green hue. It's the brilliant trumpet-shaped flowers, however, that truly capture attention. These blossoms are arranged in a zigzag fashion along the stems, with each individual flower flaunting a fiery blend of colors, typically ranging from warm orange to red shades, sometimes with a delicate throat pattern marking. The flowers are known for their delicate texture yet bold visual impact, often creating the illusion of a warm, glowing flame when looked at en masse. The flowing form of its foliage, coupled with the cascading effect of its flowers, provides a dramatic display that is both graceful and exotic. This plant's showy blooms make it a favorite among gardeners seeking to add a splash of vibrant color and a touch of the exotic to their garden landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Montbretia, Coppertips, Falling Stars
Common names
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Coleton Fishacre'
ToxicityTo humans
Montbretia is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of toxicity from ingesting parts of this plant. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities cannot be entirely ruled out, and ingesting plant matter can sometimes result in gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation. To avoid any potential risks, it is advisable not to consume montbretia.
To pets
Montbretia is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets, such as dogs and cats. There isn't significant data to suggest that this plant would cause harm if ingested by pets. However, as with any non-food plant, the ingestion of montbretia can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the irritation of the stomach or intestines. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant and shows signs of distress, consulting with a veterinarian is recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
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- Attracts Pollinators: Crocosmia 'Coleton Fishacre' is known for its vibrant flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is relatively low-maintenance, adapting well to a variety of soil conditions and requiring minimal care once established.
- Landscape Beautification: With its arching stems and bright, funnel-shaped flowers, Crocosmia 'Coleton Fishacre' adds a splash of color and architectural interest to garden designs.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Crocosmia 'Coleton Fishacre' is quite tolerant of drought, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long flowering season, usually blooming for several weeks in the summer, providing prolonged visual interest in the landscape.
- Resistant to Deer and Rabbits: Crocosmia 'Coleton Fishacre' is not a preferred plant for deer and rabbits, which helps to prevent damage and the need for protective measures.
- Effective for Mass Planting: It works well when planted in large groups or drifts, creating impactful visual displays in the garden.
- Good Cut Flowers: The blooms of Crocosmia 'Coleton Fishacre' make excellent cut flowers for arrangements, with a vase life of up to two weeks.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crocosmia 'Coleton Fishacre' can be used as a natural dye source, with the flowers potentially providing yellow to green hues for textiles.
- In floral art and arrangements, the vivid flowers and strong stems of Crocosmia 'Coleton Fishacre' make it a popular choice for creating structured designs.
- The plant is sometimes used in educational settings for botanical studies due to its distinctive morphology that helps in teaching plant anatomy.
- Crocosmia 'Coleton Fishacre' can serve as a visual barrier or privacy screen in gardens when planted in dense clusters.
- Gardeners often use the sword-like foliage as a contrasting texture in mixed borders to complement plants with softer or rounder leaves.
- The nectar-rich flowers are ideal for creating a wildlife-friendly garden aimed at attracting and supporting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
- This plant is used as a natural marker of seasonal changes, with its blooming time indicating the height of summer in temperate climates.
- Crocosmia 'Coleton Fishacre' can be planted near vegetable gardens as a companion plant to attract beneficial insects that help with pest control.
- The dried seed heads of Crocosmia 'Coleton Fishacre' can be used creatively in craft projects or as part of dried floral displays.
- During autumn, the fading foliage of Crocosmia 'Coleton Fishacre' provides a striking contrast with its rust and golden tones, adding to the garden's fall aesthetic.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMontbretia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMontbretia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fiery Passion: Crocosmia, also known as Montbretia, often represents intense affection or ardor, indicative of its vibrant, fiery red or orange flowers.
- Independence: Its ability to stand erect with minimal support conveys an aura of independence and self-sufficiency.
- Endurance: Montbretia is known for its resilience and capacity to thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing the endurance and perseverance of the human spirit.
- Confidence: The bold and bright presence of the plant may symbolize confidence and the ability to attract attention without fear.
WaterMontbretia should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, especially in the absence of rainfall. Provide about one to two gallons per plant for each watering to ensure that the soil is moistened to a depth of at least 6 inches. It's essential to prevent the soil from drying out completely but also to avoid waterlogging as this can lead to root rot. In periods of extreme heat or drought, you may need to water twice a week. During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly, only providing supplemental water if there are extended periods without rainfall.
LightMontbretia thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, but it can also perform well with light afternoon shade. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor bloom production.
TemperatureMontbretia prefers a temperate climate and can typically withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but not for prolonged periods. The optimal growing temperature range is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect this plant from hard freezes by providing mulch or bringing container plants indoors.
PruningMontbretia requires pruning to remove spent flowers and maintain its appearance. Deadhead the faded blooms throughout the growing season to encourage further flowering. After frost has killed back the foliage in late fall or early winter, cut the plants back to the ground. This will help to rejuvenate them for the next season and prevent disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Montbretia requires well-draining, fertile soil with a preferred pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. A mix comprised of loam, peat or compost, and sharp sand or perlite would create an ideal environment for this plant, ensuring adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingMontbretia typically does not need frequent repotting; it is often repotted every 3-4 years. However, division of crowded clumps should be done in the spring.
Humidity & MistingMontbretia thrives best in average outdoor humidity levels; it is not particularly demanding regarding atmospheric moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light; keep well-drained.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect in winter.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCrocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Coleton Fishacre', commonly known as Montbretia, begins its life cycle as a corm, which is a bulb-like underground storage organ. In spring, from this corm sprout sword-like green leaves and flower stems that bear the distinct vibrant orange to red flowers, blooming from midsummer to early fall. After pollination by birds or insects, the flowers fade and seed capsules may form, containing several seeds which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife. As temperatures drop in autumn, the aboveground foliage of the Montbretia dies back, allowing the plant to enter a period of dormancy through the winter. During dormancy, the corm sustains the plant, storing energy for the next growing season. In the following spring, the cycle begins anew, with the corm producing new shoots, continuing the perennial life cycle of the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Montbretia 'Coleton Fishacre' is by division. This is typically done in late winter to early spring, just before the growing season starts. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the corms, which are the bulb-like storage organs of the plant. Gently separate the corms from the main clump, ensuring that each division has at least one growing point or shoot. Replant the divisions immediately at a depth of about 4 inches (approximately 10 centimeters), space them around 6 inches apart (15 centimeters), and water them thoroughly. This process allows the plant to establish a new root system and foliage, leading to more vigorous growth in the upcoming season.
