Best Crocosmia Varieties for Your Garden

Extremely showy and exotic-looking, Crocosmia is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family, Iridaceae. Native to the grasslands of southern and eastern Africa, it is widely cultivated for its bright, showy blooms.

Crocosmia species and their hybrids, often known as montbretia, are herbaceous perennials that produce arching sprays of tubular, often fiery-colored flowers mid-summer through mid-fall. Blooming for 5-8 weeks, their flowers are typically red, orange, or yellow. Magnets for hummingbirds and butterflies, the vibrant blossoms give way to seedpods that persist into fall and attract hungry birds.

Crocosmia plants have long, slender, arching leaves, somewhat resembling the leaves of gladiolus, to which they are related.

Crocosmia is often used in borders, flower beds, and containers for a burst of late-season color.

Almost fully hardy, Crocosmias are cormous perennials that are reliable and happily multiply and come back year after year. Easy to grow, they thrive in sunny locations in well-drained, average to rich soil where they form a tight clump and produce a profusion of colorful blooms. They make lovely, lasting cut flowers and are rarely troubled by pests or diseases. Even deer don’t find them particularly appetizing.

Reflecting intense breeding efforts, there is today a rich array of Crocomia hybrids and cultivars to choose from. They vary in flowering times, flower color, and size. And, like in many other things, some are much better than others.

Here are some of the best varieties to grow in your garden. They will help you add gorgeous color and excitement to your summer border. They combine well with a wide choice of companion plants. If you need the inspiration to create a terrific border with Crocosmias, you may want to browse these planting combinations created by talented gardeners.