Montbretia Crocosmia 'Emberglow'
ABOUT
Crocosmia 'Emberglow' is a striking plant known for its vivid, fiery-colored flowers. It features arching stems that are adorned with lance-shaped, green leaves, creating a grass-like appearance at the base. The true showstoppers are the blooms, which are typically a deep, warm orange-red color that resemble small glowing embers—hence the name 'Emberglow'. These tubular flowers are arranged in a two-rowed, branched pattern along the length of the stems, blooming in succession from the bottom up. When in full bloom, the plant has a fountain-like presence, with multiple stems creating a visual spectacle. It's a favorite among gardeners for adding a splash of intense color to the landscape and is also popular for attracting hummingbirds due to its brightly colored flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Montbretia, Coppertips, Falling Stars, Emberglow
Common names
Crocosmia 'Emberglow'
ToxicityTo humans
Crocosmia 'Emberglow', commonly known as montbretia, is not widely known for being toxic to humans. There is little to no documented evidence that montbretia poses significant risks if ingested. However, as with many plants, it may still cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some individuals if parts of the plant are consumed. It is always prudent to avoid eating any plant unless it is known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Montbretia is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets. There is limited information on the plant's toxicity to animals, but it is not known to be particularly harmful to dogs, cats, or other household pets. Nonetheless, ingestion of montbretia by pets may result in mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. As a general safety measure, it is wise to prevent pets from ingesting this or any ornamental plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red-orange
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Crocosmia 'Emberglow' is known to draw in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, aiding in the pollination of the garden.
- Colorful blooms: It features vibrant fiery red-orange flowers that add a pop of color to any garden space.
- Long flowering period: This plant has a comparatively long blooming season which can last from midsummer to early fall.
- Drought resistance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens with low water availability.
- Easy to grow: It is low maintenance and generally easy to cultivate, requiring minimal attention once planted.
- Architectural interest: The tall, arching stems and sword-shaped leaves provide structural interest in a garden setting.
- Perennial growth: Being a perennial, it returns each year, which can reduce the need for replanting and provide consistent garden structure.
- Cut flower use: Its stems are sturdy and long-lasting, making it an excellent choice for fresh cut flower arrangements.
- Deer and rabbit resistance: It is not typically favored by deer or rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens prone to these visitors.
- Soil adaptability: Can adapt to a range of soil conditions, although it prefers well-draining, fertile soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic Subject: Crocosmia 'Emberglow' provides an intense splash of color that is particularly attractive for macro and nature photography.
- Dye Production: The brightly colored flowers of Crocosmia 'Emberglow' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and crafts.
- Art Inspiration: Artists may use Crocosmia 'Emberglow' as a subject or as an inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other artwork due to its vibrant hue and structure.
- Educational Tool: Botany educators might use Crocosmia 'Emberglow' as a live example to teach about plant biology and reproduction in angiosperms.
- Culinary Decoration: While not widely acknowledged for edible purposes, Crocosmia 'Emberglow' flowers could be used as a non-toxic garnish to decorate desserts or cocktails.
- Floral Arranging Classes: The striking flowers and arching stems make Crocosmia 'Emberglow' a good candidate for use in classes teaching floral arrangement and design.
- Winter Interest: The seed heads of Crocosmia 'Emberglow' can add shape and texture to a winter garden when left unpruned.
- Pot-Pourri Ingredient: Dried flowers and seed pods can be included in potpourri mixes for a visually interesting element.
- Bird Attractant: Gardeners can plant Crocosmia 'Emberglow' to attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds to their yards.
- Monochromatic Garden Design: Crocosmia 'Emberglow' can be a key plant in monochromatic garden designs, offering a rich, fiery color in a red or orange-themed garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Crocosmia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Crocosmia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: Crocosmia, due to its fiery red and orange flowers, often symbolizes deep passion and love.
- Vitality: The vibrant colors of the Montbretia suggest liveliness and high energy, often reflecting a vibrant spirit.
- Enduring Love: The Montbretia’s long blooming season symbolizes long-lasting relationships and enduring affection.
- Warmth: The warm tones of the Montbretia blooms are associated with warm feelings, hospitality and friendship.
WaterTo properly water Montbretia, commonly known as Crocosmia 'Emberglow', ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged during its growing season in spring and summer, watering about once a week. In general, use about one gallon of water per plant each time you water, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. During the dormant period in fall and winter, reduce watering frequency, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so it's important to let the soil partly dry before the next watering session.
LightMontbretia thrives in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best light conditions for Crocosmia 'Emberglow' involve a sunny garden bed or a position where it can enjoy the morning sun while being protected from the intense heat of the late afternoon.
TemperatureCrocosmia 'Emberglow', or Montbretia, prefers temperate climates and grows best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but ideally should not be exposed to prolonged periods of freezing conditions. In hot climates, it's crucial to provide some afternoon shade to prevent overheating.
PruningCrocosmia 'Emberglow', or Montbretia, requires minimal pruning. After flowering, prune to remove spent flower stalks to encourage future blooming. In late fall or early winter, once the foliage has turned brown, cut the plant back to ground level. Pruning is typically needed yearly to keep Montbretia tidy and to make way for new growth in the spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCrocosmia, commonly known as Montbretia, thrives in a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. For an ideal soil mixture, combine two parts loam, one part peat or well-rotted compost, and one part sharp sand to ensure adequate drainage.
RepottingMontbretia, or Crocosmia, typically doesn't require frequent repotting. They should be repotted or divided every 3 to 4 years to avoid overcrowding and to maintain vigor. The best time to do this is in spring, just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingMontbretia, also known as Crocosmia, prefers moderate humidity conditions. It does not have specific humidity requirements but should be kept in an environment that resembles its natural habitat, which is not overly dry. Providing natural outdoor humidity levels will suffice for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Montbretia in bright, indirect light indoors and ensure proper drainage.
Outdoor
Plant Montbretia in full sun to partial shade with good soil drainage.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCrocosmia 'Emberglow', commonly known as montbretia, begins its life cycle when the corm, a bulb-like storage organ, is planted in the spring after the last frost. The corms sprout and grow into long, sword-shaped leaves, establishing a strong root system. By mid to late summer, the plant produces tall, arching flowering stems adorned with vibrant, fiery-orange to red, funnel-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. After flowering, the blooms fade, and the plant channels energy back into the corms to prepare for dormancy. In the fall, the foliage dies back, and the plant enters a dormant period over the winter months. In spring, the cycle begins anew with the corm sending up fresh growth, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
Crocosmia 'Emberglow', commonly known as Montbretia, can be propagated most effectively through division, which is best done in the spring when new growth begins to show. This method involves gently lifting the clump of corms from the ground using a garden fork to avoid damage. Once lifted, the corms can be separated by hand, ensuring that each division has at least one growing point. These individual corms can then be replanted at a depth of approximately 3 to 4 inches (about 7.5 to 10 centimeters) in well-drained soil, spacing them about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart to give room for growth. Water them well after planting to help establish the plants. Division helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become overcrowded, leading to diminished flowering, and is an efficient way to produce new plants that will bloom reliably in subsequent seasons.
![Montbretia [Bright Eyes]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5f4a483b6.png&w=640&q=75)
