Montbretia Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Jackanapes'
ABOUT
Crocosmia 'Jackanapes' is a vibrant perennial plant known for its striking flowers and arching, sword-like foliage. The leaves are bright green and form dense clumps, providing a lush backdrop for the blooms. The flowers are the highlight of this plant, displayed in a fiery array of orange and red shades that give it a tropical flair. Blooming in the summer months, the flowers are arranged on gracefully curved stems that emanate from the clump of leaves, looking like sprays of color reaching out into the garden space. Each individual flower resembles a small, flared trumpet, contributing to the overall exotic look of the plant. The warm tones of 'Jackanapes' make it a standout in any garden setting, drawing in onlookers with its lively and showy presence.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Montbretia, Coppertips, Falling Stars, Jackanapes
Common names
Montbretia 'Jackanapes'.
ToxicityTo humans
Montbretia is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented reports of poisoning from ingesting Montbretia, so it is considered generally safe. However, ingesting any non-food plant can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in some individuals, so it is advisable to avoid consumption.
To pets
Montbretia is not listed as toxic to pets. There are no specific symptoms associated with Montbretia poisoning in pets because it is not known to be poisonous. Pets should not be encouraged to eat ornamental plants as they could potentially cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities, but Montbretia is not known to cause serious harm.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
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 Crocosmia 'Jackanapes' act as magnets for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which helps to pollinate surrounding plants.
- Colorful Display: This cultivar features striking red and yellow flowers that provide a bold and bright display in gardens from mid to late summer.
- Easy to Grow: Crocosmia is generally an easy-to-care-for plant, requiring minimal maintenance and thriving in a range of garden conditions.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Crocosmia 'Jackanapes' has a good level of drought tolerance, making it suitable for regions with less rainfall or for gardeners interested in water-efficient landscaping.
- Architectural Interest: The sword-like foliage and arching flower stems add vertical interest and structure to garden borders and beds.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of Crocosmia 'Jackanapes' make excellent cut flowers, adding vibrancy and a touch of the wild to indoor floral arrangements.
- Naturalizes Easily: Crocosmia 'Jackanapes' can spread gently in ideal conditions, creating natural and informal drifts of color in the garden.
- Companion Planting: The plant's upright form and fiery colors blend well with other perennial plants and can be used to create dynamic plant combinations.
- Seasonal Interest: Besides summer flowers, Crocosmia 'Jackanapes' also offers interest with seedpods in the fall, extending the garden's visual appeal into another season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: The vibrant colors of Crocosmia make it a favorite among photographers looking to capture the beauty of flowers and garden plants.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use Crocosmia as a muse, drawing inspiration from its form and colors to create paintings, textiles, or sculptures.
- Educational Tool: Crocosmia can be used to teach students about plant biology, hybridization processes, and pollination due to its interesting background and attractive flowers.
- Culinary Decoration: Although not edible, the striking blooms of Crocosmia can be used as a decorative element to embellish plates and platters in high-end culinary presentations.
- Drying for Crafts: The flower spikes of Crocosmia can be dried and used in floral arrangements, wreaths, or other dried flower crafts.
- Garden Design: Crocosmia can serve as a structural plant in garden designs, providing height and color contrast among other perennials or shrubs.
- Nature Conservation: Planting Crocosmia can help support biodiversity by providing nectar for pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
- Thematic Events: Due to their fiery appearance, Crocosmia flowers are often used in decor for events with a fire or summer theme to add a natural, vibrant flair.
- Photography Workshops: The distinct appearance of Crocosmia makes it an excellent subject for conducting macro photography workshops in gardens and nurseries.
- Seasonal Festivities: Crocosmia, with its bright, torch-like flowers, can be used in arrangements for celebrations and observances related to summer solstice and other seasonal festivities.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMontbretia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMontbretia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: The fiery colors of the Montbretia 'Jackanapes', which can range from red to orange, are often associated with strong emotions and passion.
- Vigor: The hardiness and vigorous growth of the plant are emblematic of vitality and robustness.
- Adventure: The exotic appearance of the Montbretia suggests a spirit of adventure and exploration.
- Warmth: The warm hues of the flowers symbolize hospitality and a welcoming nature.
WaterMontbretia should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one to two gallons of water per square yard of soil. During prolonged dry spells, watering frequency should be increased. Ensure the soil is well-drained but consistently moist, as Montbretia does not like soggy conditions. It's best to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases that can occur with night watering.
LightMontbretia thrives in full sun to partial shade. A spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight is ideal for vigorous growth and optimal blooming. However, in hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureMontbretia prefers temperatures between 60°F and 90°F. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 20°F, but for best growth, keep it in a location where the temperature does not drop below freezing. Ideal growing conditions are in warm and temperate regions where the temperature remains within this range.
PruningPrune Montbretia by removing spent flower stalks after blooming to encourage a tidy appearance and potential rebloom. Cut back foliage to ground level in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This annual pruning helps stimulate healthy new growth and maintain vigor in the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMontbretia 'Jackanapes' thrives in well-draining, rich soil with a soil pH of around 6 to 7. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand for improved drainage makes an ideal soil composition for this vibrant perennial.
RepottingMontbretia 'Jackanapes' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes crowded in its container. Dividing the corms during repotting can help manage the plant's growth and revitalize its vigor.
Humidity & MistingMontbretia 'Jackanapes' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and doesn't require any special humidity considerations, making it suitable for typical outdoor garden conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and don't overwater Montbretia.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCrocosmia 'Jackanapes', also known as montbretia, begins its life cycle when the corms are planted in the ground during spring. These corms sprout into sword-shaped leaves and eventually produce arching stems with funnel-shaped flowers, typically during the late summer. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, and these seeds may germinate to produce new plants. Over the winter, the foliage dies back and the plant goes into dormancy, relying on the underground corms to survive the cold. Each year, new corms are produced above the old ones, building a chain that can be separated and replanted to propagate the plant. As a perennial, Crocosmia 'Jackanapes' repeats this growth cycle annually, with proper care allowing it to thrive and bloom year after year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Jackanapes', commonly known as Montbretia, is best propagated by dividing its corms, which are underground storage organs similar to bulbs. The ideal time for this activity is in spring, as the plant emerges from dormancy, or in autumn after the foliage has died back. To propagate Montbretia through corm division, carefully dig up the clumps and gently separate the corms, ensuring that each division has at least one growth point or bud. Replant the divisions immediately at a depth of approximately 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 cm), spaced about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart, in well-draining soil with ample sunlight. This method allows for the rapid increase of plants and the rejuvenation of older clumps that may have become too dense.
