General gardening topics

How to grow Crocosmia to get the most out of these stunning plants

Last updated on June 8th, 2022

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Crocosmias are a great way to add bright flowers to your border gardens, full of citrus coloured shades. There are literally hundreds of varieties to choose from, for example, the popular Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ with bright red flowers (as shown in the main picture) or the Crocosmia ‘Spitfire’ that produces fiery orange flowers, this is also a dwarf variety. So, you should be able to find a Crocosmia that is perfect for you and your garden, no matter the size, shape, and style of your garden.

Some varieties have upright growing habits, with bright green leaves while others produce sprays of flowers you will no doubt want to display on your tables. They also make excellent cut flowers, plus they flower prolifically and can be divided every 3 years to provide you with bigger and better displays. 

Where to grow Crocosmia plants

If you want to plant Crocosmias in your garden you will need fertile, well-draining but moist soil. They aren’t fussy about soil type but they seem to do better in slightly acidic soil.

They also prefer full sun but if you only have an area with light shading and some sunlight for part of the day, they will usually survive there too.

As mentioned, they need well-draining soil because they must be watered regularly (without, of course, becoming waterlogged). Consider digging plenty of organic compost to improve the water retention to help keep the soil moist. If the area is a little prone to waterlogging then we recommend improving the soil first, digging in plenty of grit and organic matter.


How to plant Crocosmia

Crocosmias are corms, which means you can plant them using the same method as bulbs. For this, dig holes in your garden 8 inches deep and fill them with well-rotted compost. Place a few corms in the hole, about 6 to 8 inches apart around 3 to 5 inches deep. This will help you create a reasonably sized clump of flowers in the near future. Then, cover with soil and water well, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged because this can rot the combs. 


General Care

Once planted, you will need to protect them during winter and of course, keep them from drying out in summer. This simply means keeping the soil moist and now allowing them to dry out. They multiply very quickly so, within a few years, the clumps will be congested and need dividing in order to keep up the health and long-term the flowers that are produced. 


Propagating Crocosmias

If you want to propagate from your Crocosmia, you can remove the clumps in spring, divide them, and then replant the divisions. We recommend that this is something you should do every 3-4 years. 

You can learn more about how and when to divide Crocosmia in this guide

Croscosmia flower best when a little crowded but they do best with divided every 3-4 years in spring. Learn how to divide crocosmia step by step now

Problems – keep an eye out for spider mites

The good news is, unlike most plants, Crocosmia doesn’t have that many problems and remains disease and pest free most of the time. However, they can experience issues with spider mites.

The problem with the red spider mite is that they are so small you often don’t notice they are a problem until they have multiplied to the point of making webs across the plant. So, as soon as you notice the issue, treat them with a pesticide spray. 


Recommended Varieties

  • For compact gardens, you can grow the Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ that has bright orange flowers with a mahogany throat. 
  • The Crocosmia ‘Citronella’ is an upright plant with small, yellow flowers. 
  • For height, you should try the Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ which grows up to 1.5m and produces fiery red blooms. 
  • For a hybrid with stunning, orange-red flowers, you can try the new Crocosmia ‘Harvest Sun’.
  • If you want a medium height plant, try the Crocosmia ‘George Davison’. It grows to approximately 60cm and produces upright stems of golden yellow coloured flowers.

See the availability of Crocosmia that Yougarden.com have for sale

Bestseller No. 1
10x Crocosmia Large Flowering Mix Summer Flowering Bulbs Spring Planting Easy to Grow Montbretia Hardy Garden Perenial Flowers
  • Beautiful bright funnel-shaped flowers that grow throughout the summer months. Mixed Crocosmia selection containing yellow, red and orange blends.
  • Ideal for borders and containers. Excellent cut flower. Deer and rabbits resistant. Height: 60-90cmcm.
  • Crocosmia are excellent plants for wildlife gardening as they attract both hoverflies and bumble bees.
  • Easy to grow. Crocosmia bulbs prefer to be planted in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Plant the bulbs 3-4 inches deep and about 6-8 inches apart, with the pointed end facing up. Size 6+ bulbs supplied
  • You will receive pack of 10 quality bulbs, size 6+ in eco-friendly recyclable packaging with detailed instructions included
Bestseller No. 2
GreenBrokers Big Buy MEGA Pack Crocosmia Summer Flowering Bulbs, Mixed Colours (50 Bulbs) Bee & Butterfly Friendly
  • Brilliant big value bag of bulbs fantastic for attracting bees butterflies and other wildlife to your garden
  • Vibrant mixed Colour assortment
  • The bag contains 50 Crocosmia Mixed bulbs size 4/5
  • The bulbs are packed in an environmentally friendly brown paper bag with a carry handle and a large picture card on the front of the pack. On the back of the picture card you will find planting and care instructions. Each variety is packed separately inside the pack and clearly labelled.
  • Premium quality bulbs "Holland Selection Quality Mark" & "PEFC Certified" from sustainably managed forest and controlled sources. Outer packaging can be recycled.
Bestseller No. 3
You Garden - 3 x Crocosmia 'Lucifer' in 9cm Pots - Garden Ready Established Red Crocosmia Potted - Plants for Gardens Perfect for Plant Pots, Borders or in The Ground - Outdoor Plant
  • OUTDOOR PLANTS - This fantastic vivid red Crocosmia will add and height to your beds, borders or plant pots this year. Add vibrant colour throughout your garden with this bright red Crocosmia.
  • CROCOSMIA PLANTS - They will come alive in mid-summer with an explosion of yellow, orange and red blooms. Ready to split in Autumn to keep safe for next season.
  • GARDEN READY PLANTS - Growing to around 1.2cm (4ft) tall, they are perfect for the back of borders.
  • PLANTS FOR GARDENS - They are very hardy perennials, and some of the very easiest plants to grow.
  • POTTED PLANTS - Supplied as 3 x established plants in 9cm pots, ready to plant.
Bestseller No. 4
GardenersDream Crocosmia Carmine Brilliant Plant in Pot - Outdoor Garden Ready Hardy Perennial Plant - Outdoor Plant for Borders,and Beds - Beautiful Orange Flowering Plants (10-20cm incl. 9cm Pot)
  • HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL PLANT: This crocosmia plant is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial plant with flowers that return year after year. Our outside plant provides a reliable flowering display without needing replanted.
  • STRIKING FLOWERS: Our outdoor garden plant features fiery orange, tubular blooms with a small yellow throat. These vibrant outdoor flowers add a striking splash of colour to gardens and attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees, promoting a healthy garden ecosystem.
  • GROWTH AND SPREAD: Our outdoor potted plant arrives at a convenient height, including the pot, making it perfect for immediate, hassle-free planting. This flowering plant can grow to an impressive height of 0.5-1 m, with a spread of 0.1-0.5 m.
  • FAST GROWING: This fast growing shrub quickly establishes itself in your garden, providing rapid ground cover and efficiently filling in spaces. It is ideal for various garden settings, including ground cover, containers, and borders, helping to create a lush appearance.
  • PLANTING INSTRUCTION: This garden-ready perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil, requiring less frequent watering to prevent root diseases. Our flowering plant thrives in full sun or partial shade. In autumn, remove any dead leaves or flowers to promote healthy spring growth.
Bestseller No. 5
Crocosmia Plant Mix x 3 Plants Including Varities Like Lucifer - Emily McKenzie - Fairy Crimson in 9cm Pots
  • GREAT VALUE - This listing is for 3 seperate plants in a mix of popular and unusual varities
  • SUMMER COLOUR - Crocosmia are relatives of the Gladioli family having very similar attributes like their long sword like leaves and tall arching spiked stems that bare bright funnel shaped flowers throughout the summer
  • EASY TO GROW - Although these deciduous plants are very easy plants to grow for the best results plant them in full sun on a well-drained site
  • CUT FLOWERS - Lift and divide thinning out clumps to maintain vigour and encourage flowering. They make excellent cut flowers
Bestseller No. 6
Crocosmia Fairy Crimson Plant 9cm Pot - Herbaceous Perennial Plants for The Garden
  • SUMMER COLOUR - Crocosmia are relatives of the Gladioli family having very similar attributes like their long sword like leaves and tall arching spiked stems that bare bright funnel shaped flowers throughout the summer
  • EASY TO GROW - Although these deciduous plants are very easy plants to grow for the best results plant them in full sun on a well-drained site
  • CUT FLOWERS - Lift and divide thinning out clumps to maintain vigour and encourage flowering. They make excellent cut flowers
  • WHAT YOU GET - This listing is for one plant in a 9cm pot ready to be planted in the garden
Bestseller No. 7
10x Crocosmia Lucifer Summer Flowering Bulbs Firey Stars Spring Planting Red Montbretia Easy to Grow Garden Perenial Flowers
  • Crocosmia Lucifer is a popular variety of Crocosmia, known for its bold, fiery red flowers and striking sword-like foliage.
  • Also known as montbretia, Falling Stars, Copper Tips or Star Galdiolus, these bulbs are a favorite among gardeners for adding dramatic color and texture to summer and early autumn gardens.
  • The blooms are bright scarlet-red with a slightly orange undertone, making them a showstopper in any landscape. Flower spikes are held above lush, green foliage for a clean and dramatic look
  • Pollinator-Friendly: The vibrant red flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them a wonderful addition to pollinator gardens
  • Planting. Crocosmia Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers well-draining soil with moderate moisture. Plant the bulbs 2–3 inches deep and 6–8 inches apart in the spring. Water well after planting and provide consistent moisture as they grow. You will receive pack of 10 healthy bulbs with detail planting instructions.
Bestseller No. 8
10x Crocosmia George Davison Summer Flowering Bulbs Yellow Spring Planting Easy to Grow Montbretia Hardy Garden Perenial Flowers
  • Beautiful bright yellow small flowering Crocosmia with funnel-shaped flowers that are produced during summer months in double rows along the top of slightly arching racemes. Height: 30-60cm.
  • A showy bulbous perennial with sword-shaped mid-green leaves, the Crocosmia is ideal for planting in bold swathes through hot themed borders - or even just in pots to cheer up a sad-looking patio.
  • Ideal for borders and containers. Excellent cut flower. Pollinator friendly. Crocosmia are excellent plants for wildlife gardening as they attract both hoverflies and bumble bees.
  • Mature height: 30-60cm.
  • You will receive pack of 10 quality bulbs, size 7/8 in eco-friendly recyclable packaging with detailed instructions included
Bestseller No. 9
Crocosmia Emily McKenzie Plant in a 9cm Pot - Ready to Plant Crocosmia Plant
  • SUMMER COLOUR - Crocosmia are relatives of the Gladioli family having very similar attributes like their long sword like leaves and tall arching spiked stems that bare bright funnel shaped flowers throughout the summer
  • EASY TO GROW - Although these deciduous plants are very easy plants to grow for the best results plant them in full sun on a well-drained site
  • CUT FLOWERS - Lift and divide thinning out clumps to maintain vigour and encourage flowering. They make excellent cut flowers
  • WHAT YOU GET - This listing is for one plant in a 9cm pot ready to be planted in the garden
Bestseller No. 10
Plant Theory Lucifer Montbretia Perennials Flowering Plants Crocosmia 2L Pot
  • Low-Maintenance Gardening: Enjoy more beauty with less work! Our perennials thrive with minimal care, boasting deep root systems for efficient water and nutrient absorption. Perfect for the time-savvy gardener!
  • Cost-Saving Greenery: Invest in your garden's future with plants that return each year. Our perennials eliminate the need for annual replanting, offering endless growth and savings. Plus, easy propagation means more plants for free!
  • Soil Savior Plants: Enhance your garden's foundation with our perennials. Their deep roots improve soil health, prevent erosion, and promote moisture retention, paving the way for a thriving garden ecosystem.
  • Bee Friendly Biodiversity: Support biodiversity with our selection of perennial plants. Attract birds, bees, and butterflies all year round, contributing to local wildlife and ecosystem health. Choose native varieties for an extra eco-boost!
  • Originating from our Berkshire-based nursery, established in 2000, we take pride in cultivating UK-grown plants with unmatched quality and dedication. Our expertise and passion have consistently illuminated the show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show annually since our inception, earning us over 30 prestigious gold medals in recognition of our exceptional plant standards.

Last update on 2025-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Welcome to my site, my name is John and I have been lucky enough to work in horticultural nurseries for over 15 years in the UK. As the founder and editor as well as researcher, I have a City & Guilds Horticultural Qualifications which I proudly display on our About us page. I now work full time on this website where I review the very best gardening products and tools and write reliable gardening guides. Behind this site is an actual real person who has worked and has experience with the types of products we review as well as years of knowledge on the topics we cover from actual experience. You can reach out to me at john@pyracantha.co.uk

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