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The Complete Guide to Crocosmia Plants: Care Tips and More
Crocosmia plants, also known as Montbretia or falling stars, are a popular choice for gardeners everywhere.
These bright and colorful flowers add character to any garden and are easy to grow with the right knowledge.
In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about crocosmia plants, including care tips and maintenance.
What are Crocosmia Plants?
Crocosmia is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family.
It consists of around 20 species that originated in South Africa.
They feature sword-shaped leaves that grow from corms – underground storage organs similar to bulbs – which produce tall spikes of brightly colored flowers.
Types of Crocosmia Plants
- Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora: This hybrid plant has been developed from several other species.
- Croscosima aurea: Also known as Falling Star, this plant produces yellow flowers on stems up two feet long.
- Croscosima masoniorum: The only red variety; it blooms in late summer with deep orange-red spikes of flowers up to 30 inches tall.
- Croscosima Lucifer: Bright red-orange flowers bloom on deep green foliage making Lucifers one of the most popular varieties around today!
Growing & Caring for Crocosmias
If you’re thinking about adding crocasimia’s vibrant colors into your landscape design scheme then these quick tips will help ensure success!
Selecting Your Location
Crocosmias prefer full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
They are relatively drought-tolerant and can also handle wet conditions, so long as the soil is not waterlogged.
Planting Your Crocosmia Corms
Plant crocosmia corms in spring or fall, about 2-4 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart.
You may need to amend your soil with organic matter if it’s too heavy or clay-like.
Watering and Fertilizing Your Crocosmia Plants
Croscosmias don’t require a lot of watering but will benefit from regular fertilization throughout the growing season.
Apply a balanced fertilizer once per month during the growing season (excluding winter months).
Maintaining your Crocosmia Plants
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage additional flowering through July and August.
- Disease Prevention: In areas where humidity is high, consider spraying plants with an organic fungicide before diseases appear.
- Pest Control: Slugs can sometimes be attracted to crocosmias – use slug pellets sparingly or other natural remedies such as copper strips around the plant base for control of these pests.
The Benefits of Growing Crocosmias in Your Garden
Crocasimia plants provide many benefits – both aesthetic and practical – that make them a worthwhile addition to any garden.
- Bright colors: Vibrant hues ranging from reds, oranges, yellows make this plant stand out among others!
- Nectar-rich flowers: Crocosmia flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators, making them a great plant to attract wildlife to your garden.
- Low maintenance: Once established, crocosmias require little care beyond occasional watering and fertilization.
They are also relatively pest- and disease-resistant.
- Long bloom time: Crocosmias produce blooms that last for several weeks – much longer than many other flowering plants!
In Conclusion
Crocosmia plants may be lesser-known in the world of gardening but they offer an amazing amount of beauty with their brightly colored flowers.
With proper planting techniques and regular maintenance tasks like watering or fertilizing when needed this African native is sure to thrive in your garden no matter where you live!
