Guide to growing garden plants - Crocosmia (Montbretia)
Although Crocosmia are half hardy bulbs they are usually grown as annuals by gardeners.
They have leaves that look like swords, these carry inflorescences that have red or orange funnel like flowers.
Crocosmia comes into bloom in the summer months. Common names for Crocosmia include Montbretia and copper top.
They make ideal border plants.
How to grow Montbretia and other Crocosmia
It is perhaps easiest to grow Crocosmia from corms; these should be planted at about 10cm apart at a depth of between 10 and 15cm. If growing from seeds then they should be sown in the spring, just cover the seeds with topsoil. It may be easier to start Montbretia and other Crocosmia off indoors from sees. They should be started off about 7 weeks before they are due to be put out after the last frost of the spring, but bear in mind that they can take from one to three months to germinate at about 15 degrees Centigrade. Once growing nicely the Crocosmia seedlings can be transplanted into a sunny or partially shaded area of the garden. Once established the plants should be divided every three years.
Craing for Montbretia in the garden
If you live in a very cold area then the corms of Crocosmia should be brought indoors in the winter and stored in a cool place. It usually takes about two years until the Montbretia plant will bear flowers.