Crocosmia (Montbretia)
Characteristics
Crocosmia, also called montbretia, coppertips, or falling stars, is a bold summer-to-fall perennial grown for arching sprays of red, orange, yellow, or scarlet flowers above sword-shaped leaves. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, makes excellent cut flowers, and brings tropical-looking energy to sunny borders without needing tropical care.
Popular Varieties
Garden favorites include Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, famous for tall scarlet flowers, ‘Solfatare’, loved for apricot-yellow blooms and bronzy foliage, ‘Star of the East’, known for large orange flowers with pale centers, and ‘Carmin Brillant’, a glowing red-orange selection. For more choices, see the best Crocosmia varieties for your garden.
Growing Tips
Plant Crocosmia in full sun to partial sun and fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Water during establishment and dry spells, then divide crowded clumps every few years to keep flowering strong. In mild, moist regions, some montbretia can spread, so grow named varieties where you can monitor them. Learn more in this guide to planting and caring for Crocosmia.
Best Uses
Use Crocosmia in sunny borders, cottage gardens, pollinator plantings, hot-color schemes, tropical-style beds, and cutting gardens. Pair it with ornamental grasses, salvias, dahlias, heleniums, agapanthus, kniphofias, asters, and rudbeckias to soften the sword-like foliage and extend late-season color. Explore great companion plants for Crocosmia for polished planting combinations.
Colorful, pollinator-friendly, and wonderfully dramatic, Crocosmia is one of the best perennials for gardeners who want late-summer impact, graceful movement, and glowing color with relatively easy care.
