Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora (Lemoine) N.e. Br. 'George Davison' Davison
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'George Davison' Crocosmia is a striking flowering perennial that boasts a bold and vibrant appearance. It displays arching stems that carry an array of star-shaped flowers. The blossoms are a warm, golden-yellow hue, presenting a cheerful and inviting look. Each flower is made up of six flaring petals that spread outward from a central tube. The petals have a subtle, graceful curve, contributing to the plant's elegant display. The flowers are arranged in a loose, branched spike, creating a spray of color that seems to dance atop the slender stems. This arrangement adds to the plant's visual interest, as the blooms appear to float amidst the green foliage. The leaves are long, sword-shaped, and predominantly green, providing a lush backdrop for the vivid flowers. These leaves can add texture and fullness to the plant's overall form, and their vertical lines contrast beautifully with the curve of the flowering stems. When in bloom, the 'George Davison' Crocosmia becomes a focal point in the garden, attracting attention with its golden blossoms. It can add a sense of movement and dynamism to the landscape, especially when swaying gently with the breeze. The combination of the dramatic flowers and the strong, upright foliage makes this plant a delightful addition to any outdoor setting where its decorative qualities can be thoroughly enjoyed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae.
Synonyms
Montbretia, Falling Stars, Coppertips.
Common names
Montbretia 'George Davison', Tritonia crocosmaeflora 'George Davison'.
ToxicityTo humans
Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'George Davison') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, sensitivity can vary from person to person, and ingesting large amounts of any non-food plant material can potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or other adverse effects due to the plant's natural defense mechanisms or individual allergies.
To pets
Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'George Davison') is generally not considered highly toxic to pets. However, ingestion can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in animals such as vomiting or diarrhea, especially if they consume a large amount of the plant. It is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption and could cause discomfort or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers of Montbretia 'George Davison' attract bees and butterflies, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Landscape Beautification: With its bright yellow-orange blooms, it adds striking color and aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is known for being hardy and requiring minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Montbretia 'George Davison' is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Soil Adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soil types, as long as they have good drainage.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil loss.
- Seasonal Interest: Its late summer bloom time adds color to the garden when many other plants are starting to fade.
- Easy Propagation: Montbretia 'George Davison' can be easily propagated through division, making it simple to expand its presence in the garden.
- Long Bloom Period: The flowers last for several weeks, providing long-lasting visual interest in the landscape.
- Good Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers for indoor arrangements, bringing garden beauty inside the home.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Photography: The vibrant yellow-orange flowers of Montbretia 'George Davison' make it a sought-after subject for photographers, particularly those specializing in macro and nature photography.
- Eco-friendly Dye: The petals of Montbretia can be used to create eco-friendly dyes for fabrics, offering a natural alternative to synthetic colorants.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from Montbretia's striking colors and graceful arching stems for paintings, illustrations, and textile designs.
- Garden Design: Montbretia is used in garden design for creating 'hot' color themes or tropical-style gardens, often paired with other bold plants.
- Pressed Flower Crafts: The flowers are suitable for pressing and can be incorporated into crafts such as pressed flower art, bookmarks, and greeting cards.
- Edging Plants: Montbretia can be planted along garden paths or flowerbed edges where their sword-like foliage adds structure even when not in bloom.
- Companion Planting: Its late flowering season makes it an excellent companion plant for early bloomers, ensuring garden color throughout the growing season.
- Teaching Tool: Montbretia can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant biology, pollination, and the life cycle of perennials.
- Culinary Garnish: While not widely known, the blooms can be used as an ornamental garnish for exotic dishes, adding a splash of color to the presentation.
- Pond Landscaping: Montbretia's tall, slender form is ideal for creating vertical interest around ponds and water features in gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMontbretia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMontbretia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: Crocosmia, often referred to as Montbretia, often symbolizes passion due to its vibrant, fiery flowers that resemble flames.
- Strength: The hardiness and resilience of Montbretia in various growing conditions represent strength and the ability to endure challenges.
- Independence: Montbretia can thrive with minimal care, symbolizing independence and self-sufficiency.
WaterThe Montbretia 'George Davison' requires consistent moisture during the growing season; aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. During active growth, usually in the spring and summer, water about once a week with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per square yard, depending on soil type and climate conditions. Reduce watering after flowering as the plant enters dormancy in the fall, and water sparingly during winter to prevent root rot.
LightMontbretia 'George Davison' thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The plant performs best when it receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but can also benefit from light afternoon shade in areas with especially hot summers.
TemperatureMontbretia 'George Davison' prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth but can withstand temperatures down to about 20°F once established. They should be protected or mulched if winter temperatures regularly fall below this range. Avoid locations where temperatures exceed 90°F for extended periods, as this could cause stress to the plants.
PruningMontbretia 'George Davison' benefits from pruning to remove spent flower stalks and to tidy the plant after blooming, typically in late summer or early fall. Cut back foliage only after it has died back naturally in winter to protect the rhizomes from cold. Pruning can also stimulate new growth in the spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMontbretia 'George Davison' prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sand, providing good aeration and moisture retention. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingMontbretia 'George Davison' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and allow for growth; division of clumps can be done at this time to propagate or manage size.
Humidity & MistingMontbretia 'George Davison' thrives best in average humidity levels, typical of outdoor environments, and does not require any special humidity considerations when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil; keep moderately watered.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, divide clumps every few years.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCrocosmia 'George Davison,' commonly known as Montbretia, begins its life cycle as a corm, which is an underground storage organ. In spring, new growth emerges from the corm and develops into a clump of erect, sword-shaped leaves. By mid to late summer, flower spikes bearing funnel-shaped, golden-yellow flowers appear, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. After blooming, the flowers give way to seed capsules if pollination is successful; however, most propagation is done vegetatively via division of corms. In fall, the plant's foliage begins to die back as it enters dormancy for the winter, with the corm surviving underground. The cycle restarts the following spring when temperatures increase and the corm sends out new growth once again.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating Crocosmia 'George Davison', commonly known as montbretia, is by dividing its corms. The best time to do this is in the spring after the last frost when the soil is workable, or in the fall once the foliage has died back. To propagate, carefully lift the clump of corms from the ground with a spade, shaking off any excess soil. Then, gently pull apart the corms, ensuring each division has at least one growth point. Replant the corms about 4 inches (10 centimeters) deep and space them approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) apart to allow for enough room to grow. Water the newly planted corms well to settle the soil around them and help start their growth.
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