Crocosmia masoniorum

Description

Crocosmia masoniorum – montbretia

Botanical name: Crocosmia masoniorum
Common names: Crocosmia, montbretia
Family: Iridaceae
Plant type: Cormous perennial
Habit: Upright, clump-forming, with arching flower sprays
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 1–1.2m tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Bold, upright, sword-shaped, pleated green leaves; deciduous
Flowers: Arching sprays of upward-facing, funnel-shaped, bright orange-red flowers in mid to late summer (July–August)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy, to about −15°C); USDA zones 6–9
Exposure: Sheltered or open
Native range: Species native to southern Africa
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Crocosmia masoniorum is a robust, bold montbretia with upright fans of sword-shaped foliage and arching sprays of upward-facing bright orange-red flowers in late summer. Superb for hot colour in sunny borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A robust and handsome species crocosmia, masoniorum is grown for its bold, upright fans of pleated sword-shaped foliage and its arching sprays of upward-facing, bright orange-red funnel flowers in late summer. One of the finest and hardiest montbretias, it brings striking, fiery colour and architectural form to a sunny or lightly shaded border, and its flowers are loved by bees.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring in moist but well-drained, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade. Give it room to form a bold clump. Space about 40cm apart. Water while establishing. In cold gardens, a winter mulch over the corms helps it through hard winters.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Water in dry spells while in growth. Leave the old foliage over winter to protect the corms, then cut back in spring; the seed heads are attractive. Congested clumps flower less well, so lift and divide every few years in spring to keep them vigorous. Mulch in cold gardens.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide congested clumps, separating the corms, in spring.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Flowering suffers if the clump becomes congested, so divide periodically. Otherwise robust and reliable in a suitable spot.

Uses in the garden

Superb in sunny and lightly shaded borders, hot-colour and prairie-style plantings, and among grasses, where its bold foliage and fiery flower sprays bring architectural late-summer drama; excellent for cutting.

Wildlife value

The nectar-rich, tubular flowers are very attractive to bees and other pollinating insects in late summer.

Toxicity & safety

Crocosmia is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

Crocosmia masoniorum is one of the best and hardiest montbretias — bold, robust, and carrying its bright orange-red flowers held upward along arching stems, so they really show. Leave the old foliage on over winter to protect the corms, cut back in spring, and divide the clump every few years, as crocosmia flowers far better when it isn’t congested.

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