Montbretia 'Red King' Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Red King'

Water

For the Montbretia 'Red King,' water the plant deeply weekly to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Adjust the frequency depending on rainfall and temperature: more often during hot, dry spells and less during cold, wet periods. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water weekly, which would be approximately 0.6 gallons for a typical plant. Ensure the water reaches the root zone by allowing it to seep into the soil rather than running off the surface.

Light

Montbretia 'Red King' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The perfect spot would allow them direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. If planted in too much shade, the plant may not bloom as vigorously. Avoid overly shaded areas which can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.

Temperature

Montbretia 'Red King' favors temperate climates and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 70°F, with a minimum cold tolerance down to 20°F. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20°F can damage the plant.

Pruning

Montbretia 'Red King' benefits from pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage reblooming. Prune in late summer or fall, after flowering has finished. Cut back foliage only after it has died back naturally to allow nutrients to return to the bulbs.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Montbretia 'Red King' thrives best in a well-draining soil mixture with good fertility, a mix of loam and sand or grit works well, ensuring adequate drainage to prevent bulb rot. The soil pH should be mildly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.

Repotting

Montbretia 'Red King' should be repotted when the clumps become overcrowded, typically every 3 to 4 years. It's best to divide them in the spring before active growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Montbretia 'Red King' prefers moderate humidity but is quite adaptable and does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Montbretia 'Red King' in bright indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant Montbretia 'Red King' in full sun and well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Crocosmia 'Red King', commonly known as Montbretia, begins with its corms, which are planted in the spring. These corms, when exposed to adequate warmth and moisture, sprout into leafy plants. Montbretia enters its vegetative growth phase, producing sword-shaped green leaves and developing a strong root system. By mid to late summer, the plant produces tall, arching flowering stalks adorned with fiery red-orange blossoms, which are attractive to hummingbirds and beneficial pollinators. After blooming, the flowers fade, and the plant enters a period of senescence; the above-ground foliage dies back with the onset of cooler temperatures in autumn. The corms overwinter in the soil, where they undergo dormancy before restarting the cycle with new growth the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Montbretia 'Red King', commonly known as a variety of Crocosmia, is most popularly propagated through division, which involves separating the corms. The ideal time to propagate Montbretia 'Red King' by division is in the late winter to early spring, just before new growth begins. To divide Montbretia 'Red King', carefully dig around the clump of the plant, lift it from the ground, and gently shake off any excess soil. You will likely see a cluster of corms, which resemble small bulbs, connected at the base of the plant. These corms can be easily separated by hand or with a knife if necessary. Each separated corm should have at least one growth point, often identified as a bump or bud, from which new foliage will emerge. Once divided, the corms can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 3-5 inches (8-13 centimeters) and spaced approximately 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Ensure that the growth points are facing upwards when you replant them. Within a few weeks, you can expect new Montbretia 'Red King' shoots to appear, heralding successful propagation.