Crocosmia mathewsiana
Mathew's montbretia
A tall, clump-forming, cormous perennial to 2m with very narrow, pleated leaves. Orange, funnel-shaped flowers are produced in mid-to late summer on unbranched sprays that start arched downwards then become horizontal
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical 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
- S Africa (Drakensberg Mts)
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. I all but mild areas will require shelter from cold, drying winds and a thick, dry, organic mulch in winter. 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
- Prairie planting
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
- Banks and slopes
- Cut flowers
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
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