Crocosmia

Crocosmia Plants – Best In New Zealand!

Growing colourful perennials such as Crocosmia in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have amazing Lucifer plants (formerly known as Montbretia crocosmia), and the right Crocosmia for your space. These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Crocosmia, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Crocosmia Questions

1. When to buy Crocosmia?

Buy crocosmia plants in containers during spring or autumn so they can establish before the heat of summer arrives. https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/herbaceous-perennials/crocosmia-lucifer is the best option for purchasing plants.

2. What is the new name for Crocosmia?

Crocosmia does not have a new name. It is still referred to as crocosmia, although the common name montbretia is still widely used, especially for the garden hybrid Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora. The name montbretia is derived from the name of a French estate where the plant was first grown in Europe in the 18th century. The name crocosmia is derived from the Greek words krokos, meaning "saffron", and osme, meaning "odor" – from the dried leaves emitting a strong smell like that of saffron when immersed in hot water.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to use the more accurate and scientific name crocosmia for the plant. This is partly because the name montbretia is often associated with the invasive garden hybrid Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora, which is becoming a problem in some areas. However, the name montbretia is still widely used, and it is unlikely to be replaced entirely anytime soon. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which name they prefer to use.

3. Do crocosmia come back each year?

Crocosmia are perennial plants and they will come back each year. They grow from underground corms, which go dormant over the winter, then regrow in spring.

To keep your crocosmia coming back each year, be sure to plant them in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Crocosmia are also relatively drought-tolerant, but they will benefit from regular watering during the hot summer months. In cold climates, it is a good idea to mulch your crocosmia in autumn to protect the corms from frost.

4. When to Crocosmia flower?

Crocosmia typically bloom from mid- to late summer. The flowers are tubular in shape and come in a variety of colours, including red, orange, yellow, and white. Crocosmia are a popular choice for gardens and borders, and they also make good cut flowers.

5. How fast do crocosmia spread?

Crocosmia can spread quite quickly, both by producing new corms and by self-seeding. The rate at which crocosmia spread will depend on the soil and climate, the variety of crocosmia, and how well the plants are cared for. In general, they will spread faster in warm, moist climates with well-drained soil.

6. What is the hardiest Crocosmia?

The title of "hardiest Crocosmia" generally goes to Crocosmia 'Lucifer'. It's a popular and reliable choice for gardeners in colder climates thanks to its several strengths:

• Cold tolerance: 'Lucifer' can withstand temperatures down to -28°F (-33°C) with some protection. This makes it a viable option for gardeners in areas that experience occasional dips below freezing.
• It thrives in various soil types and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
• 'Lucifer' is a fast grower and forms dense clumps of sword-like foliage, making it a good choice for borders and mass plantings.
• It boasts stunning, fiery red flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early autumn, adding a vibrant touch to your garden.