Montbretia Crocosmia 'Scorchio' (Firestars Series)
ABOUT
Crocosmia 'Scorchio' from the Firestars Series is a striking perennial known for its vibrant, showy flowers and attractive foliage. The plant boasts sword-shaped, green leaves that create an elegant and arching backdrop. These leaves emanate from a clump-forming base, setting the stage for the true stars of the plant: the flowers. The blossoms of Crocosmia 'Scorchio' make a dramatic statement with their fiery hues. They are typically a brilliant shade of red or orange, capturing the essence of a blazing flame – which is quite fitting for a plant with 'Scorchio' in its name. The flowers are tubular and are arranged gracefully on arching stems, resembling a delicate spray of color, akin to small fireworks bursting in the garden. Each floret unfurls from a branched inflorescence that is orderly and visually appealing, inviting gardeners and onlookers to marvel at its beauty. While some flowers might be demure or blend into the border, Crocosmia 'Scorchio' boldly stands out, offering a vivacious pop of color that is perfect for adding warmth to any planting scheme. The blooms typically appear in the warmer months, giving the garden a lively and tropical ambiance. This plant can often be found adding pizzazz to perennial borders, containers, and is also commonly used in cut flower arrangements for its long-lasting and eye-catching appeal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Montbretia, Coppertips, Falling Stars
Common names
Crocosmia 'Scorchio'
ToxicityTo humans
Montbretia is not known to be toxic to humans; it is generally considered non-poisonous. Consequently, there are typically no symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant for humans because it is not recognized as harmful if ingested. However, individual sensitivity can vary, and it's always best to refrain from eating plants not known for being edible.
To pets
Montbretia is not known to be toxic to pets; it is generally considered non-poisonous. Therefore, there are not typically any symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant for pets because it is not recognized as harmful if ingested. However, as with humans, pets may have individual sensitivities, and it is always prudent to prevent pets from eating plants that are not intended for consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Crocosmia 'Scorchio' is known for attracting bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Easy to grow: This variety of montbretia is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, Crocosmia 'Scorchio' can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long blooming period: It has a long flowering time, which can extend from summer to early fall, providing extended visual interest in the garden.
- Vibrant colors: The fiery red-orange flowers add a splash of vibrant color to any landscape and can be used to create striking garden displays.
- Cutting garden plant: The flowers are excellent for cutting and can be used in floral arrangements, adding beauty both indoors and outdoors.
- Low maintenance: Crocosmia 'Scorchio' requires minimal maintenance, aside from occasional division to prevent overcrowding.
- Deer resistant: The plant is not particularly palatable to deer, making it suitable for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Structural interest: The sword-like foliage and arching flower stems of montbretia add architectural interest to garden beds and borders.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crocosmia 'Scorchio' can be used as a natural dye, providing fabric and materials with a range of orange and yellow hues.
- The tall, upright foliage can be woven into baskets or small decorative items, taking advantage of the plant's structural properties.
- Dried Crocosmia flowers can be incorporated into potpourris, adding color and a light, fresh scent to a room.
- Florists may use the seed pods for their interesting shapes and textures in dried flower arrangements.
- Artists could use the entire plant, both flowers and foliage, as a subject for botanical illustration, drawing, or photography projects.
- Crocosmia can be planted as a companion plant to roses or vegetables to provide color contrast and diversity in the garden, which can encourage beneficial insects.
- The robust nature of Crocosmia makes it suitable for use in erosion control on slopes or banks in garden designs.
- The nectar-rich flowers can be part of a wildlife garden, specifically designed to attract and sustain hummingbirds and butterflies.
- In educational settings, Crocosmia can be used to teach students about plant reproduction and pollination, due to its prominent and easily observable flowers.
- Some hobbyists might use Crocosmia plant stalks to create natural supports or stakes for other, more delicate plants in the garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Montbretia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion/Ardor: Crocosmia, also known as Montbretia, with its fiery red or orange blooms, symbolizes strong feelings and passion, akin to the intense color of its petals that resemble flames.
- Vibrancy: The bright and vibrant colors of the Montbretia flowers represent a vibrant life, full of energy and vigor.
- Independence: Montbretia has a free-growing, wildflower-like appearance, which can represent independence and a free spirit.
- Endurance: As a plant that can thrive in tough conditions and comes back year after year, Montbretia stands as a symbol for endurance and the ability to withstand challenges.
WaterMontbretia 'Scorchio' prefers consistent moisture during the growing season, so water approximately one inch per week, especially in dry conditions. Adjust your watering schedule during hot, dry spells, where you may need to water twice a week. Ensure you're watering the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage which can encourage fungal diseases. During the winter months, reduce watering significantly as the plant goes dormant and excessive water can lead to bulb rot. A general rule is to provide about 0.5 gallons every week, adjusting for rainfall and temperature conditions.
LightMontbretia 'Scorchio' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for the plant is one where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid deep shade as this can lead to poor blooming. A location with morning sun and some afternoon shade is also suitable, particularly in hotter climates.
TemperatureMontbretia 'Scorchio' does well in a range of temperatures and is hardy from 5 to 9 on the USDA zone chart. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal temperature range for active growth is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant is not frost-tolerant, so in zones below 5, it should either be mulched heavily or lifted and stored during winter.
PruningPruning Montbretia 'Scorchio' mainly consists of deadheading spent flowers to encourage further blooming and removing dead or withered leaves. After flowering is complete, usually by late summer, cut back the flower stalks but leave the foliage in place to gather energy for the next season. Thorough pruning is done in late fall or early winter, once all the foliage has died back naturally.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Montbretia (the common name for Crocosmia 'Scorchio') should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, such as a blend of loam, peat, and coarse sand to provide aeration and drainage. The ideal soil pH for Montbretia is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from pH 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingMontbretia typically does not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting can be done every 3-4 years or when the plant becomes overcrowded in its current container.
Humidity & MistingMontbretia prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable to less humid conditions commonly found in temperate regions. It does not require the high humidity levels that some tropical plants need.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Montbretia in bright indirect light with ample airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade, in fertile, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Crocosmia 'Scorchio' begins with seed germination in spring, ideally after a period of stratification to mimic winter conditions. Upon germinating, the plant develops a small corm, a type of bulb, from which sprouts emerge, growing into grass-like foliage. Throughout the summer, the foliage matures and flower spikes bearing vibrant, fiery-hued blooms appear, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, the plant sets seed, and the foliage begins to die back as the plant enters dormancy for the winter, with the corm surviving underground. Each year, the corm can grow in size and sometimes produce offsets, leading to an increase in the number of flowering shoots over successive seasons. Crocosmia 'Scorchio' completes its lifecycle when the corm ultimately depletes its resources after several years, and the plant dies, although it often leaves behind new corms that can give rise to the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Crocosmia 'Scorchio', which is part of the Firestars Series, is commonly propagated through division, a process that allows gardeners to create clones of the parent plant. Division is most successful when done in spring, just as the new growth appears. To do so, dig up the clumps of corms after the foliage has died back and carefully pull the clump apart into smaller clusters. Each section should have at least one corm with a piece of the base plate, where roots and shoots develop. Replant the sections about 4 inches (10 centimeters) deep and 6 inches (15 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil with good exposure to sunlight. This ensures that the plants have enough space to grow and will receive adequate nutrients from the soil.
