August Plant of the Month
Crocosmia add good late colour to borders in shades of orange, yellow and red. The species, Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora (commonly known as Montbretia), is invasive and probably the perennial I most often find myself digging out of gardens. By contrast, tall red Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is often requested by clients for its bold colour, tall sword-like foliage and exotic looking flowers. It also behaves itself by not spreading everywhere, although it can flop over in borders if not supported.
‘Norwich Canary’ is a rich orange yellow in colour, as the name implies, with upright stems decorated the length with starry flowers that open in sequence from tight buds. Height and spread 70cm. No staking required.
I have it growing in front of my greenhouse in sun/part-shade where I pick the flowers from August through to September. The foliage dies back in autumn and I cut back the old leaves before the new ones appear in spring.
Every three or four years I dig up the clump and divide it. Crocosmia are bulbous perennials made up of corms that eventually get congested. Otherwise, trouble-free, easy to grow and a lovely colour for late summer.
