Crocosmia masoniorum

Crocosmia masoniorum: how do you recognise it?

Habit

Upright clump of sword-shaped leaves, 0.8–1 m tall and 40 cm wide.

Leaf

Broad, light green and deeply pleated lengthwise, like a concertina.

Flower

Orange-red funnel-shaped flowers 3–4 cm across, in a row on an arching, horizontal spike, facing upwards.

Flowering

July and August.

Corm

Small, round corms that stack up in chains.

Flowering: July–August · Plants: March–May · Pruning: March

Why grow it?

• Fiery orange-red flowers in summer, facing upwards.
• Broad, pleated leaves that give structure all summer.
• A rich nectar plant for bees and bumblebees.
• A strong, long-lasting cut flower.
• Grows into handsome clumps that are easy to divide.

Crocosmia masoniorum: where does it grow best?

• Sun to light shade; it flowers best in full sun.
• Well-drained, fertile soil: sand, loam or light clay.
• Normally moist in summer; no wet feet in winter.
• A warm, sheltered spot, for example in front of a south-facing wall or in a warm border.
• Plant 8–10 corms per m² in groups.

Light

Sun and partial shade

Soil type

Sand, loam or clay

Acidity

Not fussy

Moisture

Normal

Size

1 m tall, 0.4 m wide

Hardiness

Hardy (to -15 °C)

Goes well with

• Globe thistle: Blue globes next to the orange-red.
• Daylily: Flowers in the same summer in warm colours.
• Salvia: Purple sages for contrast.
• Ornamental grass: Fine stems beside the broad, pleated leaves.
• Coneflower: Even more warm summer colours.

Crocosmia masoniorum: when and how to plant it?

Plant in March–May.

1. Plant the corms in March–May, or potted plants in spring.
2. Set them 8–10 cm deep, 10–15 cm apart.
3. Mix compost into the soil; add some grit to heavy soil.
4. Plant in groups for a strong effect.
5. Water after planting.

Care

Water

Water in dry summers and it will flower much more freely.

Feeding

Some compost in spring; too much nitrogen gives more leaves than flowers.

Dividing

Every 3–4 years, when the clump becomes crowded and flowers less.

Support

Usually not needed; in a windy spot a few canes can help.

Winter

Leave the old leaves in winter as protection.

Tip: Plant it next to blue or purple flowers such as globe thistle or salvia: the orange-red will look even brighter.

Crocosmia masoniorum: when to prune it?

Pruning months: March.

When: In early spring, in March.

How:

• Cut last year’s dead leaves off low down before the new shoots appear.
• Cut faded stems off in summer, or leave them for their decorative seed pods.

Caution: Do not cut back the old leaves in autumn: they protect the corms in winter.

Pruning: when and how · Pruning calendar and basic rules

Propagation

Division

In spring, lift the clump and separate the chains of corms; replant them straight away.

Sowing

Possible in spring in a cold frame, but flowers take 2–3 years.

Crocosmia masoniorum: how does it get through the winter?

Hardy to −15 °C: protect young plants.

• Hardy to about −15 °C in well-drained soil.
• Leave the old leaves and mulch the clump.
• In heavy, wet soil the corms may rot.
• In a pot: overwinter frost-free.

Diseases and pests

• Few flowers: Crowded clump, too little sun or drought. Divide the clump, give more sun and water.
• Red spider mite: On the leaves in hot, dry summers; hose down the leaves and water enough.
• Rotten corms: Caused by wet soil in winter. Plant in a better-drained spot.

Through the year

• March: Cut off old leaves. Plant corms. Divide.
• April: Planting. Add compost.
• May: Last corms.
• June: Water in dry spells.
• July: Start of flowering. Bees and bumblebees.
• August: Full flower. Cut flowers.
• September: Seed pods.
• November: Mulch the clump; leave the old leaves.

Good for wildlife

Bees

Nectar and pollen for honeybees and wild bees.

Did you know?

• Crocosmia means ‘crocus scent’: dried flowers smell of saffron, which comes from a crocus, when put in warm water.
• The species is named after Marianne Mason and her brother, who collected the plant in South Africa around 1910.