How To Grow And Care For Crocosmia Flowers

Crocosmia is a perennial plant renowned as coppertips for the fiery hues of its blooms, which injects color into your landscape all summer. These architectural beauties boast tall stems adorned with bright and colorful flowers guaranteed to turn heads.  

It thrives in drier climates with good drainage and enjoys full sun in most areas. However, if your summers get scorching hot, some afternoon shade will help them perform their best in slightly acidic soil. 

Despite their beautiful blooms, crocosmia plants surprisingly grow and thrive with minimal fuss. Furthermore, the key to cultivating these summery blooms is providing them with the right environment.

Here, you can learn the process of selecting the perfect location to give them drainage while also planting the corms at the correct depth and spacing. You can also learn about ensuring the reason behind the right amount of water and nutrients throughout the season. 

With a bit of planning and these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a dazzling display of crocosmia flowers in your own garden.

1. Sunlight

Crocosmia performs best in full to partial shade. Full sun will result in the most abundant blooms, while partial shade will give you a good showing of flowers and can be beneficial in very hot climates where the afternoon sun is scorching.

However, avoid planting crocosmia in deep shade, as this will lead to weak, leggy plants with fewer flowers.

2. Crocosmia Soil 

Crocosmia prefers well-draining soil. Thus, amending your planting area with compost or other organic matter before planting will help ensure good drainage and provide essential nutrients.  But, if your soil is heavy clay, consider adding some sand to improve drainage.

Not to forget, they thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 but will tolerate a wider range (5.5 to 7.5). So, make sure you have the right kind of soil before you plant these fantastic plants.

Therefore, get a pH checker online or from your local gardener and fix the soil according to its pH value. If not, you can always buy soil made for crocosmia from your local gardener.  

3. Planting Time

The ideal planting time for crocosmia corms depends on your climate. If you live in warmer climates (zones 8-10), you can plant them in the fall, a few weeks before the first frost.  This allows them to establish some roots before winter. 

But in colder climates (zones 5-7), it's best to wait until spring after all danger of frost has passed.

4. Spacing

When planting your crocosmia corms, space them 6-8 inches apart to give them enough room to mature and produce a good show of flowers.  You can also plant them in groups of 3-5 corms spaced a little closer together (4-6 inches) for a more dramatic effect.

5. Harvest

The ideal time to harvest crocosmia flowers for arrangements is when the lower 1-2 blooms on the stem have just opened, and the remaining buds are still colorful but unopened. This ensures maximum vase life.

To harvest, use sharp pruners or shears to cut the stem at a desired length, making a clean and angled cut just above a healthy leaf node.

Then, you can showcase these blooms in your desired vase and use it for decoration.

6. Pruning Crocosmia for Healthy Growth

Although removing spent blooms isn't strictly necessary for flower production, it can encourage continued blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. So, simply snip off the faded flowers just below the lowest bloom on the stem.

For a more substantial pruning, you can cut back the entire flower stem after the blooms have finished and the seeds have matured which will be by late fall/early winter.

Leave about 6 inches of the stem remaining above the ground. However, in colder climates where winters are harsh, it's best to wait until spring to avoid exposing the corms to excessive cold.

7.  Crocosmia Propagation 

Crocosmia readily multiplies by division of the corms. Every 3-4 years, in early spring, before new growth appears, you can dig up the clumps, carefully separate the individual corms, and replant them in new locations.

This not only helps control the spread of the plant but also encourages continued vigorous flowering.

While propagating crocosmia through the division of corms is the most common method, cultivating them from seed offers a rewarding challenge for the patient gardener.

Here's a breakdown of the steps-

• Seed Collection: The first step to planting these amazing flowers is to collect seeds from your existing crocosmia plants. If you don't have any, you can always buy them online or from a retailer.

Once you have some high-quality seeds, wait until the seed pods turn brown and papery and the tops begin to crack open. This indicates the seeds inside are mature and ready for harvest.

So, at this stage, separate the seeds from the chaff and debris and store them in a cool, dry place in a paper envelope until you're ready to plant.

• Sowing the Seeds: Crocosmia seeds benefit from fresh sowing, so aim to plant them within a few months of harvest. Ideally, start the seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Fill seed trays with a well-draining seed starting mix and sow the seeds about ¼ inches deep and lightly water the trays to moisten the soil.

Then, place them in a bright, indirect light location. For optimal germination, aim for temperatures around 60-70°F (15-21°C).

• Germination and Seedling Care: These seeds can germinate anywhere from 2-6 weeks, so be patient and keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Once seedlings emerge, continue to provide them with bright, indirect light and maintain even moisture.

As the seedlings grow, you can gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by taking them outside for short periods during the day.

• Transplanting Outdoors: After all danger of frost has passed and the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves, you can transplant them outdoors. So, choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Also, space the seedlings 6-8 inches apart and water them well after planting

• Blooming and Beyond: While crocosmia grown from seed may not flower in their first year, they should put on good growth and potentially bloom the following season. With proper care, these crocosmia will mature and reward you with their vibrant flowers for years to come.

Remember, patience is key when growing crocosmia from seed, but the satisfaction of cultivating these beauties from scratch makes it a worthwhile endeavor.

Let's discuss their ongoing care needs to ensure a thriving and vibrant display in your garden. Here's what you can do to make it happen-

Watering crocosmia

Crocosmia are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but they do appreciate consistent moisture during the growing season, especially during hot, dry spells.

Aim to water them deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. However, avoid soggy conditions, as this can lead to root rot.

Temperature

Crocosmia prefers warm to mild summer temperatures. They thrive in USDA zones 5-10, but can tolerate brief periods of heat or cold. But if you live in very hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching of the flowers.

Humidity

Crocosmia is not particularly fussy about humidity levels. They adapt well to most garden environments, but excessively humid conditions can increase the risk of fungal diseases. So, choose a place that has limited humidity or no humidity at all.

Fertilizing Crocosmia

While not an essential need light feeding in early spring with a balanced fertilizer can encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Talk to your local gardener and choose some light fertilizers. 

Also, avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of blooms.

Deheading

Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, is not strictly necessary for flower production in crocosmia. However, it can improve the overall appearance of the plant and potentially encourage continued blooming throughout the season. Simply snip off the faded flowers just below the lowest bloom on the stem.

Common Pests, Diseases & Solutions

While crocosmia is generally resistant to pests and diseases, a few common culprits can occasionally disrupt their vibrant display.

The most likely issues you'll encounter are slugs and snails munching on the foliage. The solution, you ask? For these slimy invaders, employ organic controls like slug traps or create barriers using crushed eggshells or copper tape around the base of your plants.

Another potential threat comes in the form of tiny, sap-sucking insects called aphids, which can distort leaves and hinder growth. Thankfully, there are solutions!

Encourage natural predators like ladybugs to take care of the problem, or use insecticidal soap for a safe and effective way to control aphid populations.

Potting & Repotting

Crocosmia can be grown in containers as well as garden beds. If you are aiming to grow them in a container, choose a pot with good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix. Water regularly during the growing season and fertilize occasionally according to the specific fertilizer instructions.

Choose a little big pot to begin with so that you will only have to repot them every 2-3 years when the container becomes crowded.

Overwintering

Crocosmia are considered winter hardy in zones 5-7 with proper care. In these zones, you can leave the corms in the ground over winter with a protective layer of mulch such as shredded leaves or straw applied after the first frost.

In colder climates (zones 4 and below), it's best to lift the corms after the foliage dies back in fall.  

Store them in a cool, dry place like a garage or shed, protected from freezing temperatures, and replant them in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.

Crocosmia comes in a surprising array of colors and forms. Some of the popular ones are-

• Lucifer

This undisputed champion lives up to its name. Developed in 1966, 'Lucifer' boasts blood-red blooms and reigns supreme as the most popular and hardiest crocosmia variety. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones as low as 5, making it a reliable choice for many gardeners.

• Bressingham Beacon

This variant beckons for those who crave sunshine in their garden borders. This bi-colored wonder features a captivating combination of orange and yellow flowers, guaranteed to brighten any space.

However, keep in mind that its winter hardiness is less reliable, potentially struggling in zones 5 and 6.

• Citronella

If you prefer a softer touch, 'Citronella' offers a delightful alternative. Its cheerful lemon-yellow blooms add a touch of whimsy and elegance to the summer garden. Plus, this variety performs well in most climates.

• Jackanapes

This bi-colored shorter plants (60cm/2ft) variety is ideal for borders or edging. Like other crocosmia, it's low-maintenance and thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.

While crocosmia are generally low-maintenance, occasional hiccups can prevent them from reaching their full potential. Here's how to diagnose and address their common problems:

1. Mottled Leaves 

If your crocosmia foliage is displaying a mottled appearance, it could be a sign of a viral infection. Unfortunately, there's no cure for viral diseases in plants. However, the best course of action is to remove and destroy any affected plants to prevent the spread of the disease to healthy ones.

2. Lack of Blooms

The absence of blooms can be extremely frustrating, but there are several potential culprits to investigate. First, consider sunlight as crocosmia needs ample sunlight to flower abundantly. If they're planted in excessive shade, they may produce fewer blooms or none at all.

3. Possible Problems

Another possibility is improper watering. While crocosmia are somewhat drought-tolerant, they still require consistent moisture during the growing season. So, check the soil and ensure it's not drying out completely between waterings.

Finally, consider the age of your plants because Crocosmia grown from seed may not flower in their first year. Established plants, however, should bloom reliably each year.

If your mature crocosmia isn't flowering, it could be a sign that the corms are overcrowded. The solution to this problem can be division. Yes, dividing the clumps every 3-4 years can help rejuvenate them and encourage renewed flower production.

Crocosmia are naturally generous bloomers, but there are a few things you can do to maximize their floral display such as giving them at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Similarly, a light feeding in early spring with a balanced fertilizer can give them a boost.

While regularly remove spent blooms to encourage the plant to focus on producing new flowers. Don't let overcrowded corms cramp their style! So, as we discussed above, it is best to divide the clumps every 3-4 years to promote vigorous growth and renewed blooms.

How Long Does Crocosmia Bloom?

You can expect a dazzling display of crocosmia flowers for  4-6 weeks during summer. The exact timing can vary depending on the variety and your climate, but they typically bloom from mid-summer to early fall.

Why Do People Love This Bloom?

Gardeners esteem crocosmia for its multifaceted appeal. These low-maintenance beauties offer a stunning display of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows for weeks, transforming summer borders with elegance.

Beyond their captivating looks, crocosmia is tolerant of drier conditions, adding a touch of resilience to your garden.  

Their architectural form, with tall arching stems and sword-like foliage, provides a touch of sophistication while also attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with their sweet nectar. With so much to offer, it's no wonder crocosmia has become a beloved addition to summer gardens.

What Do Crocosmia Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Crocosmia boasts vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, often with contrasting markings or bi-colored variations. Crocosmia has a star-shaped bloom with slender petals, which give it an elegant appearance.

Regarding their small, while some varieties might have a faint, sweet scent, Crocosmia flowers are not known for having a strong fragrance.