Crocosmia Lucifer
Crocosmia 'Lucifer' photo courtesy of Walters Gardens

Montbretia

Crocosmia 'Lucifer' is the hardiest of the Crocosmia varieties. It spreads to form a tall stand of fine foliage topped in midsummer with bright red flower spikes that are very attractive to Hummingbirds. It is a must have for any sunny garden and a top performer in our display garden. On most gardening websites it is listed as hardy to Zone 6. In our experience and that of many of our customers it grows well in Zone 4, needing just a winter mulch to protect it if snow cover is scarce.

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Grow Crocosmia in rich well drained soil in full sun. If you are planting from a pot set it several inches deeper than it is growing in the pot to provide extra winter protection. To divide the clumps dig up the corms and reset them after they have finished flowering. Over time our clumps have become massive and needed to be divided yielding hundreds of new plants. Spider Mites can do significant damage to the foliage in hot dry weather. Insecticidal soap can be applied to treat Spider Mite but follow directions carefully to avoid burning the foliage.

Return to Previous Page