Montbretia 'Jupiter' Crocosmia 'Jupiter'

Water

Montbretia prefers consistent moisture during the growing season, so water it about once a week with approximately 1 inch of water. Adjust your watering schedule during periods of rain or drought, making sure the soil doesn't dry out completely or become waterlogged. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly, providing just enough moisture to prevent the soil from completely drying out. In the spring, as the plant starts to grow again, gradually increase the amount of water to support its growth.

Light

Montbretia thrives in full sun, so it's best to plant it in a spot where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate partial shade, the blooms may not be as plentiful or vibrant. The ideal location is a sunny border or an open area with ample exposure to sunlight to ensure optimal flowering.

Temperature

Montbretia can generally survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal growing conditions are between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to protect the plant from frost, which can damage the foliage and tubers, so if temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit it may be necessary to apply mulch or bring outdoor containers indoors.

Pruning

Montbretia should be pruned to remove spent flowers and to shape the plant. Deadheading the faded blooms encourages the plant to produce more flowers. Once the plant has finished flowering and the foliage begins to die back in the fall, you can cut the plant down to the ground to keep it tidy and help prevent disease.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Montbretia (Crocosmia 'Jupiter') thrives best in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a pH range of 6 to 6.5. A blend of loam, peat, and sharp sand or perlite can create an ideal environment for this plant, ensuring proper drainage while retaining adequate moisture.

Repotting

Montbretia should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish soil nutrients and accommodate growth. Spring is the best time for repotting when the plant is emerging from dormancy.

Humidity & Misting

Montbretia prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in outdoor garden environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light and good airflow for indoor Montbretia.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade with good soil drainage.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Crocosmia 'Jupiter', commonly known as Jupiter montbretia, starts its life cycle as a corm, which is a bulb-like underground storage organ. In spring, the corm sends up sword-shaped leaves and strong, arching stems that will eventually bear vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers, usually by mid-summer. The flowering stage attracts pollinators and can last several weeks, with the blossoms gradually fading and setting seed capsules if pollination occurs. As the plant matures in late summer to early fall, the foliage begins to die back as the plant enters dormancy, conserving its energy within the corm. Through winter, the corm remains dormant underground, withstanding cold temperatures. The life cycle restarts in the next spring as the corm uses its stored energy to regrow and enter another season of flowering.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late spring-summer

• Propogation: Crocosmia 'Jupiter,' commonly known as Montbretia, is generally propagated by dividing its corms. The best time for propagating this plant is in the spring after any threat of frost has passed. In propagating by corm division, gardeners should carefully dig up the clumps of corms and gently separate them by hand. The individual corms, which look like small, rounded bulbs, should have at least one growing point or shoot. These can then be replanted in well-drained soil at a depth of around 3 to 5 inches (about 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters), spaced approximately 6 inches (around 15 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate room for the plants to mature. Adequate spacing ensures that the plants have enough nutrients and reduces the risk of disease due to overcrowding.