Montbretia Crocosmia 'Firestarter' (Firestars Series)

Water

The Montbretia should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the growing season, this equates to approximately one to one and a half gallons per plant each week, depending on the soil type and environmental conditions. Reduce the frequency of watering in the fall and further in the winter when the plant is dormant. It's important not to allow the plant to sit in waterlogged soil as this may lead to root rot.

Light

Montbretia thrives best in full sun to part shade. It should be planted in a garden spot where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight daily to encourage vibrant blooms and healthy growth. However, in hotter regions, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.

Temperature

Montbretia performs well in a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive short periods of colder weather. The ideal temperature for Montbretia is between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and flowering.

Pruning

Pruning Montbretia involves removing faded flowers and foliage after blooming to encourage a tidy appearance and potentially a second flush of flowers. Prune the foliage to the ground in late fall or early winter after it dies back naturally. Pruning is typically done yearly, and the best time is after the flowering season has ended.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Montbretia, commonly known as Crocosmia, thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part sharp sand or perlite creates the ideal environment for Crocosmia 'Firestarter'. The best soil pH for Crocosmia is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Montbretia, or Crocosmia, typically does not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. However, if the clumps become overcrowded, they can be divided and repotted in the spring every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor and flower production.

Humidity & Misting

Montbretia, also known as Crocosmia, is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require a specific humidity to thrive. However, it benefits from being planted in an area with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Montbretia in bright, indirect light; ensure well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant Montbretia in full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  Montbretia, also known as Crocosmia, is suitable for USDA zones 5-9.

Life cycle

Crocosmia 'Firestarter' begins its life as a corm, a bulb-like underground storage organ that sprouts roots and shoots as temperatures warm in spring. The shoots grow into linear, lance-shaped leaves and a flowering stem that produces a series of vivid red to orange tubular flowers arranged on a branched spike by mid to late summer. After pollination, typically by hummingbirds or insects attracted to the brightly colored flowers, the plant may produce seed capsules containing small seeds. However, reproduction is mostly vegetative, with new corms forming on top of the old ones at the end of the growing season. The foliage dies back with the first frosts in autumn, and the corms enter a period of dormancy over the winter. With the return of warmer weather the next spring, the cycle begins anew with new growth emerging from the corms.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late spring to early summer

• Crocosmia 'Firestarter', commonly known as montbretia, is most often propagated through division, a simple and effective method to produce new plants. This process is typically done in the spring, just before the new growing season begins when the soil has warmed up to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 13 degrees Celsius). To propagate montbretia by division, gardeners should carefully lift the clump of corms from the soil, using a spade or fork, and gently separate them by hand. Each section should have at least one growing point. The individual corms can then be replanted immediately at a depth of about 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.7cm), spaced about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20cm) apart, in well-draining soil with good sunlight exposure. This method allows for the rapid increase of montbretia specimens and helps maintain the vigor of the plants.