Crocosmia

From clumps of sword-like or pleated leaves, upright, arching stems carry small, funnel-shaped flowers that open in succession. Most are orange, but there are also yellow- and red-flowered cultivars. Some have bronze-tinted foliage.

Crocosmias grow well in most soil types, but do best in soil that retains some moisture in summer. They prefer full sun, but also tolerate dappled or light shade.

Growth may be stunted in very dry soil. They won’t flower well in deep shade.

Some crocosmias can become invasive. Common montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora) has ‘escaped’ from gardens into the wild, where it can crowd out more delicate native species. So it’s best not to grow it if your garden adjoins open countryside. To avoid spreading it in your garden, don’t compost unwanted plants.