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BulbsHerbaceous Perennial

Crocosmia 'Lucifer'

montbretia 'Lucifer'

A cormous, herbaceous perennial with a robust and very upright growing habit up to 1.6m tall when in flower. It has mid-green, pleated blade-like leaves and arching deep red flower stems bearing glowing orange, tubular flowers that have a paler orange throat, from mid to late summer. It is an impactful and reliable flowerer that can grow in shade or dry conditions.

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Red Orange Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Iridaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Crocosmia are deciduous cormous perennials with erect, sword-shaped leaves and branched spikes of showy, funnel-shaped flowers in summer

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Corms should be planted in moderately fertile, humus rich soil approximately 10cm deep and 7.5–10cm apart in groups to form clumps. Water if it is a dry season as a lack of water reduces flowering. Has the potential to become a nuisance in some gardens if not managed well.

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring when clumps become congested or Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

No pruning required, except the removal of dead leaves and flower stems before new growth starts in spring.

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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