Montbretia 'Star of the East' Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Star of the East'

Water

The Crocosmia, commonly known as Montbretia 'Star of the East', should be watered deeply once a week, making sure to soak the soil thoroughly at each watering session. During the active growing season in spring and summer, if the weather is particularly hot or dry, increase watering frequency to twice a week. The aim is to maintain a consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged. Each watering session should provide enough water to penetrate the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. In cooler weather or during the plant's dormant period in the fall and winter, reduce watering to every two weeks or when the soil feels dry to the touch, allowing the top layer to dry out slightly between watering.

Light

Montbretia 'Star of the East' performs best in full sun to partial shade. It thrives when planted in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Some afternoon shade can be beneficial in regions with very intense midday heat. Always ensure the plant has good exposure to sunlight for abundant blooming and healthy growth.

Temperature

Montbretia 'Star of the East' prefers a temperature range between 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may require mulching for protection against frost. Ideally, maintaining a temperature above the freezing point during the growing season ensures the plant's health and vigor.

Pruning

Pruning Montbretia 'Star of the East' involves removing faded flowers and dead foliage to encourage further blooming and to maintain a neat appearance. This should be done as needed throughout the blooming season. In late autumn or early winter, after the foliage has died back, cut the plant down to ground level to prepare it for the next growing season. Pruning also allows you to control the size and spread of the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Montbretia 'Star of the East' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite can ensure proper drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Montbretia 'Star of the East' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate bulb growth or when the clumps become overcrowded.

Humidity & Misting

Montbretia 'Star of the East' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found outdoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Montbretia prefers bright light and good airflow; avoid too dry air indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant Montbretia in full sun, with moist, well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Montbretia 'Star of the East' begins its life cycle when its corms (underground storage organs) are planted in spring. These corms sprout and develop into green, sword-shaped leaves, with the plant soon sending up a flowering stalk. During the summer, vibrant orange to yellow flower blooms appear, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers wither and the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed to produce new plants, although the corms are the primary means of propagation. As autumn approaches, the leaves begin to die back as the plant enters dormancy, conserving energy within the corms. The cycle repeats the following spring when temperatures rise and the corms break dormancy, sprouting new growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Montbretia 'Star of the East' is commonly propagated through division, which is best done in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of corms from the ground using a shovel or garden fork, and gently separate them by hand, ensuring that each division has at least one growth point or shoot. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were previously growing, typically about 3 to 5 inches deep (7.6 to 12.7 centimeters) and space them about 6 to 8 inches apart (15.2 to 20.3 centimeters). Water them in well after planting to help establish the new divisions. This method allows the plant to recover and start growing quickly, resulting in new clumps that can flower in the same season.