Great Companion Plants for Your Crocosmia

Extremely showy and exotic-looking, Crocosmia produce decorative clumps of erect sword-shaped leaves and brilliant wands of fiery scarlet, red, orange, and yellow tubular flowers which bloom for 5-8 weeks from mid-summer through mid-fall. Magnets for hummingbirds and butterflies, the vibrant blossoms give way to seedpods that persist into fall and attract hungry birds.

Crocosmias are all bred from South African species. Reflecting intense breeding efforts, there is today a rich array of Crocosmia hybrids and cultivars to choose from. They vary in flowering times, flower color, and size. If you are unsure which Crocosmia to pick for your garden, here is a list of some of the best Crocosmia varieties.

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.

The flamboyant colors of Crocosmias add vivid visual interest to the sunny border, and they are terrific elements in hot-colored schemes. They radiate beautifully with Heleniums (Sneezeweed), Kniphofias (Red Hot Pokers), Dahlias, and ornamental grasses, maintaining the interest well after the first leaves fall.

Their intense colors contrast well with blue and purple Salvias (Sage), Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile), Geraniums (Cranesbills), or silver foliage plants. There is a wide choice of companion plants. Alternatively, you may want to browse these planting combinations created by talented gardeners.

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, Astilbe ‘Purpurlanze’, Verbena bonariensis	Crocosmia ‘Rheingold’, Canna, Dahlia
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, Dahlia ‘Arabian Night’	Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’, Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, Astilbe