Montbretia Crocosmia 'Lana de Savary'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Crocosmia 'Lana de Savary' is a striking plant known for its vibrant, fiery-hued flowers. This plant boasts a spray of blossoms that resemble small funnel-like flames, with colors ranging from bold red to warm orange and golden yellow, often displaying a gradient of these fiery shades within individual petals. The blooms are organized in a loose, branched cluster along arching stems, creating a dramatic and showy display. The flowers emerge from sword-shaped green leaves that are upright and blade-like, lending a contrasting texture and color to the vivid blooms. The foliage forms a clump at the base from which the flower spikes gracefully rise. The plant has the overall appearance of a cascading fountain of color, with the blooms facing outward and downward, which are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. In full bloom, Crocosmia 'Lana de Savary' adds a bold and exotic touch to the garden with its intense colors and elegant form. It is often used in borders, as a specimen plant, or in cut flower arrangements due to its long-lasting and eye-catching flowers.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Montbretia, Coppertips, Falling Stars.
- Common names
  Crocosmia 'Lana de Savary'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Crocosmia is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, if ingested in large quantities, it might cause mild stomach upset or gastrointestinal discomfort. It is essential to teach children not to eat plants and to be aware that individuals may have different sensitivities or allergic reactions to any plant.
- To pets
  Crocosmia is not commonly listed as toxic to pets. However, as with many plants, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in significant amounts. As individual pets can have unique sensitivities, it is always prudent to monitor your pet and consult with a vet if you notice signs of distress or illness after ingestion.
Characteristics
- Life 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
- Native area
  South Africa

Benefits

General Benefits
- Vibrant Flowers: Adds striking color to the garden with its vibrant red or orange flowers throughout the summer months.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright blooms draw in beneficial insects such as bees and hummingbirds, which are essential for pollination.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable and relatively low maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it will return year after year, offering long-term value for the garden.
- Architectural Interest: The sword-shaped foliage and distinctive flower spikes can add structure and interest to planting schemes.
- Border Planting: Ideal for borders due to its height and color, which can complement a variety of other plants.
- Container Gardening: Can also be grown in pots or containers, making it versatile for patios and smaller spaces.
- Cut Flowers: The stems with blooms are great for creating floral arrangements, providing fresh bouquets throughout the season.
- Resistant to Deer: Typically not preferred by deer, which helps to minimize garden damage in areas where deer are a problem.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Crocosmia 'Lana de Savary' can be used in creating natural dyes for textiles, with its flowers and leaves potentially producing a range of hues depending on the mordant used.
- The long, arching stems of Crocosmia may serve as natural weaving materials for creating garden supports or decorative trellises.
- Crocosmia flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, adding color and subtle fragrance to the blend when dried.
- Pressed Crocosmia blossoms can be used in art projects, such as botanical prints or in creating elegant bookmarks.
- When dried, the seed heads of Crocosmia can be used in floral arrangements for added texture and interest.
- Crocosmia's nectar-rich flowers can be a source of food for hummingbird feeders when placed nearby, attracting these birds to the garden.
- The plant's robust root system can be utilized for erosion control on slopes or banks, thereby preventing soil from washing away in heavy rains.
- Dried Crocosmia flowers can be used to refill sachets, which can then be placed in drawers or closets to impart a mild fragrance to linens and clothing.
- The rigid, upright foliage of Crocosmia can serve as a natural garden stake for supporting other, more delicate plants in the garden.
- Crocosmia's bright blooms can be used in educational settings to help teach children about pollination and the importance of flowers in the ecosystem.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The plant Montbretia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Montbretia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Passion: Crocosmia, commonly known as Montbretia, often symbolizes ardor and intense feelings due to its fiery red and orange hues that evoke strong emotions.
- Independence: The striking appearance of Montbretia can also represent self-reliance and the strength to stand out in a crowd, much like its eye-catching flowers in a lush garden.
- Vitality: With its robust growth and vivid colors, Montbretia symbolizes health and vivacity, often used to wish someone a life full of energy.
- Warmth: The warm tones of Montbretia blooms are reminiscent of a glowing sunset, symbolizing comfort, hospitality, and the warmth of human connection.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late spring

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Montbretia should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The amount of water needed can range from 1 to 2 gallons per week depending on soil type and weather conditions. During the growing season, consistent watering is important, especially when flower buds are forming. In hot, dry climates, additional water may be necessary. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
Light
Montbretia thrives in full sun to partial shade. It's best to plant it in a spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. The ideal location provides morning sun and protection from the intense heat of late afternoon sun, which ensures vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
Temperature
Montbretia enjoys a moderate climate and can survive in a temperature range from 20°F to 90°F. However, the ideal temperature range for thriving growth is between 60°F and 70°F. Montbretia bulbs can withstand brief periods of colder temperatures, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures should be avoided.
Pruning
Montbretia should be pruned to remove dead foliage and spent flower stems to maintain plant health and appearance. Pruning is typically done after flowering ends in the fall or in early spring before new growth begins. Pruning once a year is sufficient, and the best time for this is when the foliage has died back and can be easily removed.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Montbretia prefers well-drained soil with a mix of 2 parts loam, 1 part sand or perlite, and a portion of well-rotted compost, ensuring good fertility and drainage. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.5.
Repotting
Montbretia, or Crocosmia 'Lana de Savary', typically doesn’t require frequent repotting as it is usually grown as a perennial that spreads via corms. Repotting or division can be done every 3-4 years to rejuvenate growth and manage space.
Humidity & Misting
Montbretia does well in average outdoor humidity levels; it does not require any special humidity conditions and thrives in the natural humidity present in most garden environments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate warmth.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-draining soil.
- Hardiness zone
  5-9 USDA
Life cycle
Crocosmia 'Lana de Savary', commonly known as montbretia, begins its life cycle when the corms are planted in the soil in spring. The plant sprouts and produces long, sword-like leaves, followed by graceful, arching stems bearing vibrant, tubular flowers which typically bloom in late summer. After flowering, the plant sets seed, though in cultivation, reproduction is usually through division of the corms. As the colder months approach, the foliage dies back and the plant enters a dormant period. During winter, the corms rest beneath the soil, conserving energy for the next growing season. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the cycle restarts as new growth emerges from the corms.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late spring
- Propogation: Crocosmia 'Lucifer', commonly known as montbretia, is typically propagated by dividing the corms. The best time to do this is in the spring after the threat of frost has passed and just before new growth starts. To propagate, first carefully dig up the clump of corms and shake off any excess soil. Then, you'll want to break apart the corms by hand, ensuring that each section has at least one growth point or sprout. Once you have your sections, plant them approximately 2 to 4 inches deep (5 to 10 cm) and about 6 to 8 inches apart (15 to 20 cm) in well-draining soil. Ensure the planting site gets full to partial sun, and water the corms thoroughly after planting to encourage root development. With proper care, new montbretia plants will develop from these corms, often blooming in their first season after planting.