Crocosmia pottsii
Potts' montbretia
An upright, clump-forming cormous perennial with mid-green broad, strappy leaves and long arches of tubular red flowers with an orange throats throughout the summer and autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Orange | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Orange | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Crocosmia are deciduous cormous perennials with erect, sword-shaped leaves and branched spikes of showy, funnel-shaped flowers in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant 8-10cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained and preferably sandy soil in full sun or partial shade; in colder areas plant somewhere with shelter from cold drying winds, such as near a wall, and protect in winter with a thick, dry, organic mulch; if clumps become congested, divide them in early spring. Has the potential to become a nuisance in some gardens if not managed well
Propagation
Propagate by division of established clumps in spring, just before new growth starts
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
No pruning required, except removal of dead leaves and flower stems in autumn, or before new growth starts in spring
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.