Buy montbretia Crocosmia 'Lucifer'

Crocosmia 'Lucifer'

montbretia

Arching sprays of bold, tomato-red, funnel-shaped flowers appear in August and September among handsome, pleated, mid-green leaves.

This vibrant bulbous perennial is perfect for a mixed or herbaceous border in a sunny, sheltered site or as part of a 'hot' colour scheme.

For maximum impact plant Crocosmia 'Lucifer' in bold drifts in a sunny, sheltered site with moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. They make excellent cut flowers.

How to care for Crocosmia Lucifer:

Potted plants can be planted any time of year, avoiding water-saturated and frozen soil. Mix in some well-rotted compost with the excavated soil and firm around the plant and provide a thick layer of mulch (well-rotted compost) as winter protection for the roots.

Plant the corms (bulbs) in spring approximately 8-10cm (3-4in) deep and 10-15 cm apart.

In autumn, resist removing the faded foliage, and cover the crown of the plant with bracken or bark chips to protect the plant against frost damage.

Lift and divide congested colonies in spring, planting the divided sections 8-10cm (3-4in) deep.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

1.2m

Eventual spread:

0.08m

Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)

This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten