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| 'Lucifer' crocosmia |
Crocosmia
produce masses of sword-like foliage and brightly colored blooms. Originally from south Africa, their name comes from the Greek words for “saffron”
and “smell”. 'Lucifer' is the most
popular scarlet red but also they come in many varieties of yellow and orange. Why grow crocosmias? Few diseases or pests (including
slugs!) seem to trouble crocosmias. Humans and hummingbirds alike appreciate
the red, orange and yellow crocosmia flowers. During crocosmia’s typical
mid-summer to fall bloom period, other flowers have finished blooming or are
looking tired. Crocosmia flowers last well in the garden and in the vase...and also do well in containers.
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| Crocosmia 'George Davidson' |
Plant these bulbs (more exactly "corms") in spring after all danger of frost is gone. Plant the corms 2-3 inches deep and space them 6-8 inches apart in threes. They do multiply so having more is always good. Place the corm face up in soil with compost. With our blazing hot afternoon sun in the Treasure Valley, put them in an area with morning sun afternoon shade - they seem to do much better. They are drought tolerant and only need occasional moisture when very dry. Remove the spent blooms to encourage more blossoms. After blossoming for the season let the foliage die down naturally.
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| Crocosmia Prince of Orange |
All crocosmias are winter hardy in zones 6-9. Some species, including Lucifer, are hardy in zone 5 If you are concerned about hardiness, dig them up, put them in a box with some sawdust and bring
them in to a garage or somewhere it doesn’t freeze but keep them cool.
When planting in containers, make sure your container has drainage holes and good potting soil (not soil from your garden). Plant the corms as above, water and sit back. An easy-care flower, crocosmias are a wonderful addition to a Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden. Plant some and ENJOY!