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Image of
hummingbird and butterfly attractant, Crocosmia Lucifer or Crocosmia or Montbretia
plants coming soon...
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Crocosmia Lucifer
(Crocosmia, Montbretia) |
Origin: Southern Africa
Family:
Iridaceae
Light: Full sun/ light shade
Height: Up to 6'
Spread: 1.5-2'
Blooms: Flame-red, on long graceful arching stems, in late Spring-Fall
Foliage: Dark bronze, long, slender, sword-like, pleated
Soil: Well-drained, rich, drought tolerant
Water: Regular
Fertilizer: Osmocote slow release 14-14-14 monthly
Uses: Borders, mass planting, containers, cut flower arrangements arrangements
Propagation: Seeds, corms or offset divisions
Caution: This plant is invasisve
Comments: Crocosmia Lucifer or Crocosmia or Montbretia is one of
the most popular crocosmia. It is a
low-maintenance herbaceous perennial plant with a fairly fast spreading
habit, forming clumps. When
grown in masses, the free-flowering Crocosmia Lucifer plants put on a very lovely long-lasting dispay
of flaming red flowers on long arching stems during blooming season,
attracting many butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. These plants
need protection from frost. Montbretia plants are easily
propagated from seeds or corms. Divide plants in the Fall when they get
overcrowded. For colder
areas, Crocosmia Lucifer corms can be lifted and stored in a cool dry place for the winter. Interesting to note that the words 'crocosmia' came from the Greek word
'krokos' meaning 'saffron' and 'osme' meaning 'smell' from the saffron
scent emitted by the dried flowers.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 5-10 |
