Montbretia 'Hot Spot' Crocosmia 'Hot Spot' (Firestars Series)

Water

Montbretia requires consistent moisture during its growing and blooming season. For established plants, water deeply once a week with about one to two gallons depending on the soil moisture level and weather conditions. During particularly hot or dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly. If you're growing Montbretia in containers, check the soil moisture more frequently, as potted plants tend to dry out faster.

Light

Montbretia thrives best in full sunlight receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting Montbretia is in a garden area where it can bask in the morning sun and is protected from the strongest afternoon rays, especially in areas with very hot summer climates. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, where it will still produce flowers but possibly not as abundantly.

Temperature

Montbretia performs well in a wide range of temperatures, but ideally, it thrives in environments where the temperature hovers between 60°F and 80°F. It can withstand a minimum temperature of around 20°F, although it may need mulching in areas where cold temperatures persist. Avoid exposing Montbretia to temperatures over 90°F for prolonged periods as this can stress the plant.

Pruning

Montbretia should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks and to tidy up the plant. This encourages new growth and can lead to more flowers in the following season. Prune after flowering by cutting back flower stems to the base. Additionally, in late winter or early spring, remove any dead or damaged foliage to prepare the plant for new growth. Regular pruning is not necessary, but an annual clean-up will keep your Montbretia looking its best.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Montbretia 'Hot Spot' thrives in a well-draining soil blend enriched with organic matter, such as compost or peat. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, is ideal for this cultivar.

Repotting

Montbretia 'Hot Spot' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate the growth of its corms and rhizomes.

Humidity & Misting

Montbretia 'Hot Spot' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions but prefers average humidity typical of outdoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light and well-draining soil for Montbretia 'Hot Spot'.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade with good drainage for Montbretia 'Hot Spot'.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Crocosmia 'Hot Spot', commonly known as montbretia, begins with the germination of its corm (a swollen underground stem base), typically in late winter or early spring. As temperatures warm, sprouts emerge, developing into long, narrow leaves and the plant undergoes vegetative growth. By mid to late summer, montbretia enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant orange to red blooms on arching stems that attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. After pollination, seeds may form, and as the flowering season ends, the plant enters a period of senescence, with leaves turning yellow and dying back in the fall. The corm survives through winter dormancy, storing energy for the next year's growth cycle. Each year, the corm can produce offsets, leading to the gradual spread and thickening of montbretia clumps in the garden.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Crocosmia 'Hot Spot', part of the Firestars Series, is commonly propagated through the division of its corms. The best time for this is after the foliage has died back in late autumn or before new growth starts in early spring. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of corms and gently pull apart the individual corms, ensuring each one has a piece of the base stem. Replant the corms immediately at a depth of about 3-5 inches (8-13 centimeters) into well-draining soil, spacing them approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. This method allows the plant to maintain the genetic characteristics of the parent and is the most common way to propagate Crocosmia 'Hot Spot'.