Montbretia Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora
ABOUT
C. × crocosmiiflora is a vigorous, variable hybrid, a cormous herbaceous perennial, typically up to 60cm high, with pale green leaves and slightly arching spikes of orange flowers, 3-5cm across, in summer
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Montbretia, Coppertips, Falling Stars
Common names
Montbretia × crocosmiiflora, Tritonia × crocosmiiflora, Curtonus crocosmiiflora
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
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, commonly known as Montbretia, is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing vital support to pollinator populations.
- Garden Aesthetics: With its bright, fiery-hued flowers, Montbretia adds vibrant color and visual interest to garden landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Montbretia is a hardy plant that requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Montbretia can withstand periods of drought, making it ideal for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Erosion Control: The plant’s dense growth can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.
- Cut Flowers: Montbretia blooms make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements due to their long vase life and striking appearance.
- Easy Propagation: The plant can be easily propagated through division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Seasonal Interest: Montbretia provides late summer to fall interest in the garden when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Wildlife Habitat: The foliage provides cover for small wildlife, and the seeds can be a food source for birds in the fall and winter.
- Variety of Uses: It can be used in borders, containers, and as a focal point in garden beds due to its unique appearance.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Art: Montbretia's brightly colored flowers are popular in floral arrangements and have a long vase life, adding vibrancy to bouquets and floral displays.
- Erosion Control: The dense growth habit of Montbretia can help stabilize soil on slopes and banks, thus reducing erosion in certain landscapes.
- Craft Materials: The dried seed heads and foliage of Montbretia can be used in crafting, for example, in making decorative wreaths or dried floral arrangements.
- Nectar Source: The flowers are rich in nectar, making them an excellent plant for attracting and feeding pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds in the garden.
- Photography: The striking appearance of Montbretia makes it a popular subject for photographers, especially those who specialize in botanical and garden photography.
- Garden Design: With its bright flowers and attractive foliage, Montbretia is used to add color and texture to mixed borders and garden beds.
- Companion Planting: Montbretia can be planted alongside other late-summer-flowering plants to extend the blooming season in the garden.
- Dye Production: Although not commonly used for this purpose, the flowers of Montbretia have the potential to be used in the production of natural dyes.
- Learning Tool: Botany enthusiasts and educators may use Montbretia as a living specimen to demonstrate plant structure and life cycles in educational settings.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dense clumps formed by Montbretia can provide shelter for small wildlife, including insects and ground-nesting birds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMontbretia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMontbretia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: Often associated with intense feelings and ardor, the fiery blooms of the Montbretia embody a sense of deep passion and vibrance.
- Strength: The resilient nature of Montbretia, able to thrive in various conditions, symbolizes strength and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Warmth: With its warm-toned flowers, Montbretia represents warmth and comfort in both emotions and relationships.
- Energy: The lively appearance of Montbretia flowers signifies high energy, reminding one of the vitality of life.
- Survival: Since Montbretia can persevere in harsh environments, it symbolizes survival and the triumph of life against the odds.
WaterMontbretia should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which roughly equates to 0.6 gallons per square foot. During hot and dry periods, increase watering frequency to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy. It's best to water in the morning to allow moisture on the foliage to dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightMontbretia thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. An ideal spot would be in an area that receives morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon or a location that enjoys consistent, full-day sunlight. While they can tolerate partial shade, flowering may be reduced in less than ideal light conditions.
TemperatureMontbretia enjoys moderate temperatures and can survive in USDA zones 5 through 9, displaying a preference for temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 20°F and a maximum temperature up around 90°F. Nonetheless, extended periods of frost or extreme heat can be detrimental to the plant.
PruningMontbretia requires minimal pruning. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and cut back foliage after it has died back in the fall to keep the plant tidy and healthy. The best time for pruning is in late fall or early winter, once leaves have yellowed, signaling the plant's entry into dormancy. This helps to prevent diseases and prepares the plant for next season's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMontbretia prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and organic matter, like compost or peat. The best soil pH for Montbretia is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingMontbretia, commonly known as Montbretia, typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years to refresh the soil, or when the plant has outgrown its current pot.
Humidity & MistingMontbretia thrives in average outdoor humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements, making it adaptable to various outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Montbretia indoors with bright light, well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Plant Montbretia in full sun, well-draining soil, mulch in winter.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleCrocosmia × crocosmiiflora, commonly known as montbretia, starts its life cycle with the germination of corms that produce sprouts in the spring. These sprouts grow into linear leaves and flowering stalks that bear a succession of tubular, brightly colored flowers, typically in shades of yellow, orange, or red, during the summer months. After pollination, which is often facilitated by hummingbirds or bees, the flowers develop into seed capsules in late summer to fall. Simultaneously, new cormlets form above the original corms and serve as a means for asexual propagation. As the plant goes dormant in winter, the above-ground foliage dies back, and the corms overwinter in the ground. The cycle resumes in spring when environmental conditions become favorable for new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method for propagating Crocosmia, also known as montbretia, is by dividing the corms. The best time to do this is in the spring, just before growth begins, or in the late summer after the plants have finished flowering. Carefully dig up the clumps of corms and gently pull them apart, making sure that each division has at least one growing point. Allow the divisions to dry for a few hours to let the cut surfaces callous over, which helps to prevent rotting. These corm divisions can then be replanted approximately 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.7 centimeters) deep and spaced about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart, ensuring that the growing points are facing upwards. After replanting, water the corms thoroughly to settle the soil around them and to provide moisture for growth.
