Although familiar to most gardeners as “common montbretia” there are many less invasive Crocosmia cultivars which offer tremendous variety of colour and form: flowers range from pale yellow to deep red, often showing striking colour gradation, or bi-colour, some are small, some large – up to 3” across. Leaves can be flat or pleated, some are dark olive or bronze in colour. Crocosmia originate mainly from South Africa and were first cultivated in France in the nineteenth century. The name comes from the Greek – krokos (saffron) and osme (smell) – referring to the smell of the dried leaves.

Crocosmia make wonderful border plants, flowering from late summer to early autumn – some are best suited to shadier spots while others will enjoy full sun. They also make superb specimen container plants.

Our selection includes Tritonia disticha subsp. rubrolucens, a closely related plant with pink crocosmia like flowers.

Care of Crocosmia
As a general rule, Crocosmia with smooth leaves (Crocosmia x Crocosmiiflora hybrids) are less hardy than Crocosmia with pleated leaves (which are related to mountainous species). That said, most Crocosmia will survive in a cold border, provided that the soil is well drained, although less hardy cultivars will some benefit from protection in winter. Large flowered cultivars (which are related to the woodland species Crocosmia aurea) do best in a shady area, while others are happy in full sun-partial shade.

Plant crocosmia corms at about 5”/12cm into a well drained soil, incorporating plenty of organic material (and a few handfuls of grit if there is doubt about drainage). The plants will require plenty of water during the summer but need a drier soil when dormant. Protect less hardy cultivars (especially the large flowered ones) with a good layer of mulch each autumn, leaving leaves on for added protection. Divide congested clumps in autumn every 3-4 years.

Container grown plants need protection from cold in winter – either in a cold greenhouse or well mulched in a large pot, against a warm wall. Divide plants regularly to keep good flowering.

-Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'A.J.Hogan'
- Excellent long flowering cultivar with vibrant orange red flowers, facing upwards
- Ht 30"/75cm, flowers from early season

Crocosmia x crosmiiflora 'Babylon'
-Superb large flowered cultivar with demure downward-facing flowers of vibrant orange, which open into a star-liked shape.
-Flowers mid season, height 36"/90cm

Crocosmia x Crocosmiiflora 'Canary Bird'
-Petals are orange/yellow outside, bright yellow inside.
-Flowers mid season, height 28"/70cm, spread 8"/20cm.

Available soon. Please contact us for details and to reserve plants.

- Crocosmia aurea x paniculata 'Castle Ward Late'
-Lovely hardy crocosmia with burnt orange flowers
- Ht to 1m/36", flowers mid-late season

Available soon. Please contact us for details and to reserve plants.

Crocosmia x Crocosmiiflora 'Gerbe D'or'
Syn. Coleton Fishacre
-Apricot coloured flowers over bronze green leaves.
- Height 24"/60cm
- Flowers mid season.

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Harlequin'
- Cheerful bi-coloured crocosmia with bright yellow flowers with the outer petals alternately red and orange.
-Flowers mid season, height 28"/70cm, spread 8"/20cm.

- Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'His Majesty'
- Wonderful old fashioned large flowered cultivar, rarely offered
- Flowers which are up to 4"/10cm across, are apricot in colour overlaid with deep scarlet-orange
- Ht to 90cm/3ft, flowers mid season
- Borderline hardy, so makes an ideal specimen plant for a container, overwintered in a cold greenhouse
- A really spectacular plant, well worth the effort.

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora Lady Oxford.
-Copper orange flowers, with darker red markings.
-Compact cultivar, ideal for smaller border.
-Flowers late season.
-Height 18"/45cm

Available soon. Please contact us for details and to reserve plants.

-A new Crocosmia with pinkish-orange blooms in tight clusters that last well.
-Height 30"-36" - 75cm-90cm.
-Late summer flowering.

- Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Loweswater'
- Rare variety found in a deserted Lake District garden.
-Soft yellow flowers
-Flowers mid season, ht 80cm
-Very similar to C. Honeybells

- Attractive crocosmia distinguished by dense cluster of large orange/peach coloured flowers.
- Flowers early-mid season, vigorous.
- Height 30"/75cm.
- PVR, cannot be propagated for sale.

Available soon. Please contact us for details and to reserve plants.

- 'Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Star of the East'
- Spectacular, old fashioned large flowered cultivar, rarely offered.
- Large (3-4") clear orange flowers, with slightly paler centre.
- Long flowering, late summer to autumn.
- Ht to 36"/120cm
- Slightly tender, mulch well in winter or container grow and overwinter in cold greenhouse.
Flowers: Aug-Oct

Available soon. Please contact us for details and to reserve plants.

-Compact cultivar with scarlet red flowers.
-Excellent choice for a smaller border.
- Flowers early season, height to 30"/75cm.

Available soon. Please contact us for details and to reserve plants.

- Lovely crocosmia from the African River Series.
- Beautiful heads of large mid-orange flowers (up to 3" across) with darker orange markings at the mouth
- Long flowering period, from early to mid season
- Ht to 46"/115cm, vigorous.

-Closely related to Crocosmia, this delicate summer flowering plant bears a profusion of rose-pink crocosmia like flowers, over long strap-like leaves.
-Flowers late summer, height 36"/90cm
-Plant in sunny, spacious position