Montbretia 'Orange Devil' Crocosmia 'Orange Devil'

Water

Montbretia prefers consistent moisture, especially during the growing season in spring and summer. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each plant, ensuring thorough saturation of the soil. Reduce watering frequency to every other week in the fall and only water sparingly during the winter months when the plant is dormant, as overwatering can lead to bulb rot. The actual amount of water needed can vary based on climate and soil drainage, so it's essential to check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again.

Light

Montbretia thrives in a location where it can receive full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should be placed in a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in areas with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.

Temperature

Montbretia prefers temperatures that range from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to cold below this can damage the plant. To ensure vigorous growth and flowering, keeping the plant within this ideal temperature range is crucial.

Pruning

Prune Montbretia after flowering, removing any spent blooms to encourage a tidy appearance and possibly a second flush of flowers. In late fall or early winter, once the foliage has died back, cut the plant down to ground level to prepare it for dormancy. Pruning is typically done once a year, but deadheading can be done as needed throughout the blooming season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Montbretia, commonly known as Crocosmia 'Orange Devil', thrives best in rich, well-drained soil that has a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. The ideal soil mix should include organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility, along with sharp sand or fine grit to enhance drainage.

Repotting

Montbretia doesn't require frequent repotting as they are typically grown from corms that can be left undisturbed for several years. However, you should consider dividing and repotting the Crocosmia 'Orange Devil' every 3 to 4 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain the plant's vigor.

Humidity & Misting

Montbretia (Crocosmia 'Orange Devil') prefers outdoor conditions and does not require specific humidity levels. It will tolerate a wide range of humidity as long as it is planted in well-draining soil and receives adequate water during its growing season.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, keep soil moist. Not ideal for indoor cultivation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Crocosmia 'Orange Devil', also known as Montbretia 'Orange Devil', begins its life cycle when corms are planted in the ground during spring. After planting, the corms sprout into strap-shaped green leaves, followed by the emergence of tall, arching stems bearing the vibrant orange, funnel-shaped flowers throughout the summer months. After blooming, the flowers fade and seed pods may develop, although Crocosmia primarily propagates through corm offsets rather than seeds. As fall approaches, the plant's foliage dies back with the onset of colder weather, signaling the plant's entry into dormancy. Throughout winter, the corms rest beneath the soil, conserving energy for the next growing season. With the return of warmer spring temperatures, Crocosmia 'Orange Devil' re-emerges from dormancy, completing its life cycle and beginning a new cycle of growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late spring to early summer

• Propogation: The Crocosmia 'Orange Devil', commonly known as crocosmia, is often propagated through division, which is the most popular method. The best time for dividing crocosmia corms is in late fall to early spring. To propagate, carefully lift the clump of corms out of the soil using a spade or fork. Gently separate the baby corms, which are typically found above the mother corm from the previous season. Ensure each section has at least one baby corm and some roots attached. These divisions can then be replanted immediately at a depth of approximately 3 to 5 inches (about 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) into well-draining soil, spaced about 6 to 8 inches apart (approximately 15 to 20 centimeters). The plants should be watered thoroughly after planting to encourage establishment.