Montbretia Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Zeal Tan'
ABOUT
The Crocosmia 'Zeal Tan' is a vibrant and showy plant, featuring an eye-catching display of flowers. The blossoms have a unique, tubular shape and are typically organized in a branching pattern along arching stems, presenting a lush and graceful appearance. The color of the flowers is an arresting blend of fiery hues, often with a combination of warm yellows, oranges, or reds that give the impression of flames dancing in the garden. These vivid blooms contrast beautifully against the plant's foliage, which comprises long, slender leaves that resemble blades of grass in their structure and green color. The leaves emanate from a base, forming clusters that suggest a lush, verdant setting for the dramatic flowers. The overall effect of Crocosmia 'Zeal Tan' is one of exotic radiance and dynamic energy, making it a striking addition to any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Montbretia
Common names
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Zeal Tan'.
ToxicityTo humans
Montbretia is considered not poisonous to humans. There are no well-documented toxic effects from ingesting this plant, and it is commonly not listed among toxic or harmful plants. Therefore, if accidentally ingested, it is not expected to cause any significant symptoms or consequences. However, it is generally advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption.
To pets
Montbretia is also not known to be toxic to pets. This means that if pets such as dogs or cats ingest parts of this plant, they are unlikely to experience symptoms of poisoning. Since it is not listed among plants that are typically dangerous to pets, no particular symptoms or consequences are commonly associated with its ingestion by animals. Nevertheless, it is still wise to prevent pets from eating plants not meant for their diet to avoid any potential digestive upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Crocosmia, commonly known as Montbretia, is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Montbretia generally requires minimal care once established, making it an easy plant for gardeners of all levels of expertise.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Montbretia can tolerate periods of dry weather, making it suitable for gardens in drought-prone areas.
- Colorful Blooms: Montbretia produces vibrant, fiery red, orange, or yellow flowers that add a splash of color to the garden landscape.
- Long Blooming Period: This plant has a lengthy blooming time from midsummer to early fall, providing long-term visual interest.
- Cut Flower: The long-lasting and showy blooms of Montbretia make excellent cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Easy to Propagate: Montbretia can be easily propagated by dividing corms, allowing gardeners to spread its beauty around their gardens or share with others.
- Border and Container Plant: This versatile plant can be used in flower borders or as a structural plant in container gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting natural dyes: The brightly colored flowers of Montbretia can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical dyes.
- Photography subject: Montbretia, with its striking flowers, is a photogenic plant that can be used by photographers aiming to capture the beauty of nature.
- Floral arrangements: The long, arching stems and vivid flowers make Montbretia a popular choice for adding a bold touch to cut flower arrangements.
- Garden design: Montbretia can be used as an architectural plant in garden designs, thanks to its sword-shaped leaves and elegant flowers.
- Insect attraction: Planting Montbretia in the garden can help attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Education: Montbretia can be included in educational programs about plant reproduction, pollination, and organic gardening practices.
- Container gardening: Montbretia can be planted in pots or containers, making an ideal choice for balconies and patios where space is limited.
- Seasonal festivals: The blooms of Montbretia can be featured in seasonal festivals or celebrations due to their vibrant, late-summer flowering time.
- Culinary decoration: Although not edible, the blooms can be used to decorate plates or platters in culinary presentations for a touch of color.
- Art inspiration: Artists may use the distinct form and color of Montbretia as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other artistic endeavors.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Montbretia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Montbretia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fiery Passion: Crocosmia's vibrant red and orange flowers are often symbolic of passion and intensity, with their bold colors evoking strong emotional responses.
- Enduring Love: Due to its robust nature and ability to return year after year, crocosmia can symbolize a love that endures through time and challenges.
- Confidence and Boldness: The striking appearance of the plant makes it a symbol of standing out with confidence and taking bold action.
- Independence: Crocosmia's ability to thrive without much care is seen as a representation of independence and self-sufficiency.
- Warmth and Enthusiasm: The warm hues of crocosmia blossoms are often associated with an enthusiastic and welcoming demeanor.
WaterFor Montbretia 'Zeal Tan', water the plant thoroughly to keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season, without letting it get soggy. During the summer, this might mean watering approximately once a week, using about one to two gallons per plant, depending on weather conditions such as heat and wind which may increase evaporation. In the winter, reduce watering since the plant requires less moisture during dormancy. Adjust the frequency to account for rainfall, as overwatering can lead to bulb rot. It’s essential to check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to ensure that the plant needs water.
LightMontbretia 'Zeal Tan' thrives best in full sun conditions where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is in an area that offers plenty of morning light with some protection from intense afternoon sun in hotter climates. Dappled light or partial shade during the peak heat of the day helps prevent the foliage from scorching.
TemperatureMontbretia 'Zeal Tan' prefers temperatures between 60°F and 85°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 20°F, making it hardy to USDA Zone 6. To ensure vigorous growth, try to avoid exposure to temperatures below freezing for extended periods. During the winter dormancy period, cooler temperatures around 35°F to 45°F are suitable for encouraging next year's blooms.
PruningPrune Montbretia 'Zeal Tan' mainly to remove spent flower stems and to tidy up the plant. Pruning is also useful to control the spread, as it can become invasive. Perform this task after flowering, typically in late summer or early fall. Cut back foliage only after it has died back naturally, usually in late autumn, as the leaves provide nourishment for the bulbs for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMontbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Zeal Tan') thrives in well-draining, rich, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. The ideal soil mix can include equal parts of garden soil, peat, and sharp sand or perlite to enhance drainage. It is important to ensure the soil is fertile by incorporating organic matter such as compost.
RepottingMontbretia should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to prevent overcrowding. Ideally, repotting should be done in the spring before new growth starts. Care should be taken to divide the clumps gently and provide fresh soil mix to support new growth.
Humidity & MistingMontbretia prefers moderate humidity levels, similar to what it would experience outdoors. Normal room humidity will generally suffice, but if the air is very dry, occasional misting can help. However, avoid high humidity as it can promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Montbretia in bright indirect light, ensure good air flow, and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Montbretia in full sun to partial shade, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCrocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Zeal Tan', commonly known as Montbretia, starts its life cycle when the corms are planted in spring after the danger of frost has passed. The plant begins to grow with sword-like foliage emerging from the ground, which is soon followed by the formation of tall, arching stems bearing a profusion of fiery-hued flowers from midsummer to early autumn. After blooming, the flowers give way to seed capsules if pollinators have visited, though the plant is often propagated by separating and replanting the corms rather than by seeds. As the weather cools and the plant has finished flowering, it will enter a dormancy period where the above-ground foliage dies back with the first frost, and the plant rests over the winter months. During dormancy, the corm is sustained by the energy it stored during the active growing season. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the corm will sprout new growth and the cycle begins anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Zeal Tan', commonly known as Montbretia, is usually propagated by division. The best time for dividing Montbretia is in the spring, just before the new growth starts. To propagate by division, dig up the corms when the plant is dormant in late winter to early spring. Gently separate the corms by hand, ensuring each division has at least one growth point. Replant the divisions at a depth of about 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 centimeters), spaced approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart. This method helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become overcrowded, and it is an effective way to increase the number of plants in your garden.
