Montbretia 'Comet' Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Comet'

Water

Montbretias should be watered deeply once a week during their active growth in spring and summer, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. This often equates to about 1-2 gallons per plant depending on the size and the environmental conditions. Improper watering can lead to bulb rot so it's crucial to have well-draining soil. Reduce watering after the plant blooms and the leaves start to yellow, indicating it's entering dormancy. This reduction can go down to once every two to three weeks, or even less if rainfall provides moisture.

Light

Montbretias thrive in full sun to light shade conditions. The best spot for them would be an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Light shade during the hottest part of the day can help protect the flowers from scorching in extremely hot climates.

Temperature

Montbretias prefer temperatures ranging between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but require winter mulching in cooler climates. The ideal growing condition is in a garden spot where temperatures are consistently warm but not excessively hot.

Pruning

Montbretias should be pruned to remove dead or spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain plant vigor. After blooming, cut back the flower stalks but leave the foliage until it dies back naturally to allow energy to return to the bulbs for next season's growth. The best time for general pruning is in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth starts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Montbretia 'Comet' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with high organic matter content. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat or compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite provides the desired drainage and fertility. The ideal soil pH for Montbretia 'Comet' is between 6.0 and 6.5, slightly acidic to neutral.

Repotting

Montbretia 'Comet' does not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted when the clumps become overcrowded, which is typically every 3 to 4 years. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

Montbretia 'Comet' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. They are quite adaptable and will thrive in the average outdoor humidity in their growing zones.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use bright, indirect light and well-draining soil for indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade; enrich soil with compost.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Crocosmia 'Comet', commonly known as Montbretia, begins its life cycle as a dormant corm in the soil, which germinates in spring as temperatures rise. The germinating corm sends up sword-shaped green foliage followed by flowering stems that showcase the vibrant orange-red blooms the plant is known for, usually mid to late summer. After the blooming period, the flowers fade, and seed formation may occur if pollinators have been active. As the growing season ends, foliage dies back with the onset of colder weather, and the plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter months. Throughout the dormant period, the corm rests in the soil, with energy reserves prepared for the next cycle. In subsequent years, corms can multiply, eventually forming clumps that can be divided to propagate new plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late spring

• Propogation: For Montbretia 'Comet', the most popular method of propagation is by dividing its corms. The ideal time to divide Montbretia corms is in late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins. To propagate, gently dig up the clumps of corms and brush off any soil. Then, pull apart the corms by hand, ensuring that each division has at least one growing point. Replant the corms at a depth of about 3 to 5 inches (approximately 8 to 13 centimeters) and space them about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart. Water the newly planted corms well to help establish them. This method allows the Montbretia 'Comet' to multiply quickly and fill garden spaces with its vibrant blooms.