Buy crocosmia (montbretia)
Crocosmia brings vibrant colour to gardens, especially in summer and autumn. This plant showcases upright fans of vivid red, orange, or yellow tubular flowers, complemented by its sword-shaped leaves. Known for adding a southern flair, Crocosmia thrives in borders and makes a striking cut flower. Imagine these fiery flowers filling late-summer gaps, combining beautifully with ornamental grasses and perennials. Looking to enhance your garden? Consider Crocosmia for its exotic perennial charm and its reputation as a stunning bulbous perennial. Discover how Crocosmia can transform landscapes with its unique appeal and energy. Order Crocosmia corms in the UK and enjoy its captivating presence throughout the seasons.
What is Crocosmia and why is it loved in UK borders?
Crocosmia, also known as montbretia, is a bulbous perennial admired for its fiery flowers and unique arching form. Often called Coppertips or Summer arching perennial, these vibrant flowers bring life to any garden. Montbretia is commonly used in borders, group planting, and pots. They make excellent cut flowers and offer a haven for bees and butterflies.
Belonging to the Iridaceae family, Crocosmia is native to South Africa, but its striking colours are cherished in UK gardens. Acting as natural late-summer gap fillers, they add warmth and vibrancy to borders and insect nooks.
The name Crocosmia comes from the Greek words 'krokos' meaning saffron and 'osme' meaning scent, referring to the saffron-like fragrance released by dried flowers. It symbolises fire and remembrance, capturing attention with its bright presence.
While frost-sensitive, these perennials are fast-growing and attract hummingbirds and insects. Order Crocosmia corms in the UK and enjoy their beauty each year. Consider buy Crocosmia to enhance your garden with their delightful colour ranges and clump spread.
Main characteristics of Montbretia and Coppertips in bloom
The Crocosmia is a fiery perennial with elegant flower spikes in orange and red. This plant grows upright with bushy, airy flowering forms. Sword-shaped leaves rise from the ground, creating an attractive clump spread. It grows rapidly and reaches heights between 30 cm and 1 m depending on the type.
From the moment they sprout, Crocosmias develop quickly. They emerge as small green shoots that soon fan out into graceful leaves. By mid-summer, they produce vibrant flower spikes that sway gently in the breeze. The plants thrive in well-drained soil, and regular watering helps them reach their potential.
Crocosmias bloom mainly from July to September. The flowering time can vary with weather and soil conditions. Warmer climates encourage earlier blooming, while cooler temperatures might delay it slightly. The colourful display is most intense with good sunlight and care.
Flowers of Crocosmia come in a striking palette, including orange-red, fiery red, yellow, apricot, and bright orange. Soil quality and type can influence the intensity of these colours. Adequate sunlight further enhances the vibrancy of the blooms.
While Crocosmias are not renowned for a strong scent, their blooms and leaves add texture and visual interest to any garden. The mature height of these plants can be affected by factors such as location, soil type, and care, allowing them to reach their optimal growth.
Crocosmia leaves have a sword-shaped form, which is both elongated and upright. The leaf colour ranges from fresh green to light green, adapting to various conditions. Crocosmia is moderately hardy, surviving in temperatures as low as -18°C to -12°C. The plant is frost-sensitive but can endure winter with mulch cover, suitable for USDA zones 6 to 8. It typically retains its leaves, yet may drop them during dry conditions to conserve moisture. Originating from warmer climates, Crocosmia is heat and drought-tolerant. Its tuber stores moisture, and the plant thrives in well-drained soil, showing resilience under wind exposure. Importantly, Crocosmia is non-toxic, posing no danger to children or pets, making it a safe addition to any garden. For biodiversity, Crocosmia blooms from July to September in vivid fiery colours like orange and red. These flowers attract pollinators and support garden ecosystems by providing food and shelter. Consider planting Crocosmia corms in the UK garden or dividing overcrowded plants to enhance space. During colder months, it is recommended to lift and store the tubers to ensure a healthy perennial return in the spring.
How to use Crocosmia for fiery late summer planting
Crocosmia is a vibrant addition to any garden, known for its fiery flowers that bloom in late summer. This bulbous perennial can transform any space with its striking colours and unique shapes. Here are some inspiring ways to incorporate Crocosmia into the garden:
Use Crocosmia in borders to add a splash of southern flair. The bold colours create a perfect backdrop for ornamental grasses and other perennials.
Consider group planting of Crocosmia for a dramatic effect. Planting them in large clusters can enhance their natural beauty and create a visual impact.
Pot or planter arrangements with Crocosmia can be an excellent option for patios or balconies. This allows for easy mobility and adds a touch of vibrant colour to smaller spaces.
Crocosmia makes a stunning cut flower. The long stems and vivid colours are ideal for adding a splash of summer inside the home.
Create an insect nook by planting Crocosmia. The bright flowers attract pollinators, making them a lovely addition to any biodiversity zone.
For those looking to enhance their garden with montbretia, this plant offers fiery flowers and an exotic touch. A perfect bulbous perennial for those wanting to buy montbretia and add a unique element to their spaces. It's versatile and can be combined with various plants, providing endless possibilities for garden creativity. Consider Crocosmia for a vibrant, lively addition to the garden scene.
Which border plants pair best with Crocosmia’s shape and colour
Crocosmia is a stunning addition to any garden, known for its vibrant orange-red flowers and summer blooms. This exotic perennial pairs beautifully with various plants, creating a lively and eye-catching display. Crocosmia adds fiery colour highlights and belongs among other flowering garden plants . Combining Crocosmia with ornamental grasses like Miscanthus provides a lovely contrast, as the soft, swaying grass complements the bold colours of Crocosmia. Kniphofia, with its striking torch-like flowers, enhances the fiery palette, creating an impressive border display.
Rudbeckia offers a golden touch to the garden, balancing Crocosmia’s bold hues with its sunny yellow flowers. Salvia's purple spikes introduce a cool colour contrast, making the vibrant Crocosmia stand out even more. Verbena bonariensis adds height with its tall, airy stems and clusters of delicate purple flowers, providing a perfect backdrop for Crocosmia.
These combinations of plants with Crocosmia are not only visually appealing but also create a dynamic and diverse garden. The different textures and colours enhance each other, turning a simple border into a captivating display that thrives throughout the summer months.
Soil needs and warmth for optimal Crocosmia flowering
Crocosmia thrives in a sunny location, ideally receiving at least six hours of sunshine each day. It can tolerate light shade but performs best with abundant sunlight. The plant is somewhat wind-sensitive; providing a sheltered spot or using windbreaks can help protect its delicate flowers.
For soil, Crocosmia prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich loam or sandy soils. A good practice is to ensure the soil is loose enough for the tuber to store moisture effectively. Timely fertilising and maintaining a well-draining soil structure can significantly enhance growth. Consistent moisture is key, though the plant can survive dry conditions thanks to its tubers. However, excessive wind, direct sun or poor soil can affect moisture retention.
Regarding pH preference, Crocosmia does well in neutral to slightly acidic soils. Monitoring soil pH is essential, as it impacts nutrient uptake. For those planning to order Crocosmia corms UK, planting in the right conditions ensures vibrant, fiery flowers. As a summer arching perennial, it fills late-summer gaps with ease, offering a striking display of colour.
When and how to plant Crocosmia corms for bold results
Crocosmia corms, also known as montbretia, should be planted in spring, from March to May, once the risk of frost has passed. Corms delivered in pots can be planted year-round, except during frost. For those with roots or clumps, it's best to plant during spring and autumn. The planting distance depends on the plant's type, initial size, and growth speed. Typically, plant them 10–15 cm apart. Check the Heijnen product page for exact spacing information. Prepare the soil by ensuring it is humus-rich, moisture-retentive, and well-drained. Heijnen planting soil can help achieve this. Plant corms 8–10 cm deep, adding sand for drainage if the soil is heavy. After planting, water them well and provide a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of daily sunlight. For montbretia to thrive, consider adding mulch for winter protection. Regular watering and occasional feeding with fertiliser support healthy growth. The fiery flowers of Crocosmia bring an exotic touch to any garden with their striking orange-red blooms.
Tips on dividing and maintaining Crocosmia clumps
Crocosmia is a beautiful summer perennial that can brighten up any garden with its vibrant flowers. Proper care ensures healthy growth and abundant blooms. Here are detailed tips on caring for Crocosmia, also known as montbretia.
Plant Crocosmia in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil and position them in full sun for best growth.
Divide Crocosmia clumps annually, preferably in spring or autumn, to encourage vigorous growth.
Prune in autumn to remove old leaves and flowers using sharp secateurs. This promotes new growth.
Fertilise in spring with a balanced fertiliser to support blooming from July to September.
Water regularly during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging. Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy.
For winter, cover plants with mulch to protect against frost, as Crocosmia is not entirely hardy in UK winters.
Consider lifting and storing corms in colder regions to prevent frost damage.
After transplanting, water thoroughly and maintain soil moisture for successful establishment.
Crocosmia, or montbretia, is an excellent choice for borders, group planting, and pots. Its flowers attract bees and butterflies, adding ecological value to gardens. Remember to buy montbretia bulbs in spring for planting. Proper care will ensure these striking flowers continue to adorn the garden year after year.
The vibrant curved stems and bright tones of Crocosmia
Crocosmia is a striking plant with curved stems and bright colours. The flowers of Crocosmia come in fiery shades of orange-red, yellow, and apricot. These vibrant blooms add a splash of colour to any garden during the late summer. The sword-shaped leaves are fresh and light green, offering a lovely contrast to the vivid flowers. Crocosmia shines with fiery blooms among ornamental grasses . This plant serves as a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies, providing both beauty and ecological benefits. Montbretia forms upright blooms, giving a bushy and airy structure to garden borders. It is a fast-growing, frost-sensitive perennial that adds a touch of southern flair. Planting Crocosmia with other perennials and bulbous plants enhances the garden's visual interest. The plant's minimal disease issues and long flowering season make it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Coppertips also provide a wonderful movement in the garden breeze, adding an extra sensory experience. As an exotic perennial, Crocosmia offers privacy and can act as a screen when planted densely.
Popular Crocosmia varieties in UK summer gardens
Crocosmia, known as montbretia, is a bulbous perennial admired for its fiery flowers and ability to fill late-summer gaps in gardens. These vibrant plants, flowering from July to September, are ideal for adding colour and texture. Here are some popular Crocosmia varieties:
These popular Crocosmia varieties are available for online ordering from Heijnen, perfect for enhancing garden colour throughout the summer.
Why Crocosmia excels – and how to control it
Crocosmia is a stunning plant that brings vibrancy to any garden. Known for its fiery flowers, it blooms in late summer, making it a wonderful choice for those who want to extend colour in their garden.
Advantages:
Late summer bloom ensures the garden remains colourful when many other plants have finished flowering.
Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, adding movement and life to the garden.
Long flowering period provides enjoyment for weeks.
Few diseases affect Crocosmia, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.
Perfect for natural borders, creating an effortless look.
Disadvantages:
Moderately hardy in wet winters, which may require extra protection.
Can spread, requiring management to prevent it from taking over other plants.
Frost-sensitive in pots, needing shelter during colder months.
Proper soil preparation and correct placement in the garden, along with regular care and timely fertilisation, can reduce the risk of diseases and pests. Always care for Crocosmia diligently to ensure the best growth and bloom.
Order colourful Crocosmia plants now at Heijnen
Crocosmia brings vibrant hues to any garden, perfect for filling those late-summer gaps. With striking flowers from July to September, the plant adds a southern flair to borders. It pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses and perennials, creating a stunning display. The Crocosmia is beloved for its long flowering season and its ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This plant is also known for its resilience, facing few diseases.
The montbretia variant of Crocosmia offers an eye-catching range of colours, ensuring your garden remains lively. These plants thrive in natural borders and are excellent as cut flowers. They spread in clumps, providing a splendid display year after year. To maintain their beauty, consider lifting and storing the corms in
winter.
For anyone looking to enhance their garden with these wonderful flowers, the Crocosmia is an ideal choice. Order Crocosmia corms in the UK and enjoy the vivid transformation they bring. Order Crocosmia (Montbretia) from Heijnen for fiery colours that energise your border from summer into autumn.