Crocosmia 'Lucifer'

RHS Plant Profile
montbretia 'Lucifer'
Award of Garden Merit
Bulbs Herbaceous Perennial

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.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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