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No Quibble GuaranteeHow to grow Crocosmia
Crocosmia are deciduous, cormous perennial plants, native to South Africa and close relatives of the Iris family. The modern name ‘Crocosmia’ comes from the Greek words for saffron and smell, Krokos and Osme. They were first brought back in the 1800s from the grasslands of South Africa so will add an exotic feel with which can be brought into the home as cut flowers too.
Vertical, sword-shaped and often fragrant leaves adorn branching stems with glorious spikes of funnel-shaped blooms that also have a subtle and exquisite scent.
They are best suited to flower beds and borders within cottage and informal garden settings. You should expect to see Crocosmia grow to an approximate height of between 1-1.5m (3-5’) and a spread of between 10-50cm (4-20”).
Key Information
Soil pH
Position
Hardiness
Where & when to plant Urginea
Urginea are large bulbs which form clumps just on the surface of the soil. For best results, they should be planted in the autumn, in to moist but well-drained soil. They prefer a sunny spot but can cope with part shade. If you are not ready to plant your Leucojum bulbs when you receive them, store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place in temperatures between 4-20°C for a short while but be careful they do not dry out too much. Alternatively, you could plant them in moist compost in a pot until you are ready.
How to plant Crocosmia
Crocosmia are best planted in moist, well-drained soil of loam, chalk, clay and sand within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Some varieties are supplied as corms during the spring. These can be planted directly into the ground; however, you may wish to add a layer of grit beneath individual corms to improve drainage. Plant at a depth that twice the height of the bulb, with the point facing upwards.
Occasionally they can be supplied as young plants or pots. In this case, you would need to plant Crocosmia so that the top of the plug or pot is level with the native soil. Water thoroughly and deeply to settle Crocosmia into place.
What to plant with Urginea
Urginea are imposing plants, creating a dramatic statement when planted alone, creating quite an impressive clump when they have naturalised.
However, when grown amongst grasses or interspersed Allium they look incredible.
When choosing companion plants, think about the growing conditions that are preferred by each plant. Maybe grow Urginia maritima with Allium Forelock, Moly or Hair – the almost globe-like spheres of blooms will hover above the foliage but will have faded by the time the Urginea flowers have fully developed so will not detract from the spectacle.
Whether grown in borders or containers, the period when the foliage is absent could be filled with a low growing, evergreen carpet of Delosperma Suntropics Purple, Copper or Red, which become covered with bright almost neon coloured daisy-like flowers from spring until the first frosts.
How to care for Crocosmia
Feed Crocosmia with a general fertiliser during spring to promote healthy flower and foliage growth. Once established, rainwater should suffice unless during periods of drought.
Deadhead spent flowers once they have gone over but leave the foliage in place, undertaking a tidy up during the spring to protect them over the winter months.
How to propagate Crocosmia
Crocosmia are not invasive, however they do clump. You may wish to propagate by division during the spring, before new growth appears.
