Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Star of the East’ (Montbretia)

Introduced in 1912, award-winning Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘Star of the East’ is still regarded as one of the best Montbretias. A strong performer without being aggressive, it produces decorative clumps of vertical pleated leaves which remain fresh and upright well into fall. They are topped by wands of very large, 4 in. wide (10 cm), soft orange blossoms which gradually open, from the bottom of the wand to the top, over 5-8 weeks, from mid to late summer. Emerging from deep orange flower buds, the flowers open widely to reveal their creamy throat adorned with burgundy freckles. Extremely showy, this South African native is a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies. Its vibrant blossoms give way to seedpods that persist into fall and attract hungry birds.

• Won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Great perennial for the late season garden as it provides weeks of vibrant colors when many other perennials are starting to fade.
• Resembling the foliage of sword-lilies, Crocosmia’s narrow, bladed leaves also provide interesting vertical accents in the borders.
• Grows up to 40-48 in. tall and wide (100-120 cm).
• Excellent border plant providing color and contrast to the perennial border. It looks spectacular in front of green conifers, among dark leaved dahlias and cannas or next to blue-flowering plants such as Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile), Aconitum (Monkshood) or Echinops (Globe Thistle). Should be planted in clumps of 12 or more.
• May be grown in containers – make sure you select a large pot with drainage holes.
• Makes wonderful cut flowers and will last up to 2 weeks in a vase.
• Easily grown in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained. Thrives in full sun or partial shade where it will multiply rapidly and readily.
• Tolerant of summer heat and humidity, it is also drought tolerant (once established), salt tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant.