Crocosmia Bulb Care Tips For Growing Crocosmia Flowers

Grow crocosmia in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Divide congested clumps every three to five years to rejuvenate them and encourage better flowering. In colder regions you may need to mulch the corms to protect them from frost.

When should Crocosmia bulbs be planted?
How do you care for crocosmia?
Do you soak Crocosmia bulbs before planting?
Should you cut back Crocosmia?
Is crocosmia a perennial?
How deep should I plant Crocosmia bulbs?
Is crocosmia invasive?
When can I divide Crocosmia?
Can Crocosmia grow in shade?
Are Crocosmia bulbs poisonous to dogs?
What can I plant next to crocosmia?

When should Crocosmia bulbs be planted?

Crocosmia corms are similar to bulbs and the best time to plant is early spring, so they hydrate in late winter/early spring rain. Once hydrated Crocosmia will grow as soon as the soil warms up in early Spring. Plant Crocosmia corms about 8-10 cms (3-4") deep below soil level in a group to form a clump.

How do you care for crocosmia?

Crocosmia will survive in part shade but best flower production is obtained in full sun - except in hot summer climates where part shade will enable the flowers to last longer. Plant in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Crocosmia do not enjoy hot, dry sites.

Do you soak Crocosmia bulbs before planting?

Soaking is not necessary or advisable for bulbs, rhizomes and tubers. Avoid dry ground. These types of plant need plenty of moisture once planted so do not place too close to walls or buildings where the foundations make the soil dry.

Should you cut back Crocosmia?

Crocosmia 'Lucifer' does not need to be pruned. You can remove dead flower heads during the flowering season, by cutting back to where the stems meet the leaves, to encourage new blooms.

Is crocosmia a perennial?

Crocosmia Lucifer bulbs (corms) will do best in rich, moisture-retentive soils, in full or partial sun. Perennial in zones 5-9. Crocosmia may not bloom the first season, especially in colder zones, but it is perennial and once established it will reward you with spectacular blooms.

How deep should I plant Crocosmia bulbs?

Crocosmias grow from corms and can be planted like bulbs. Dig a generous hole, about 7-10cm deep and add a spadeful of well-rotted compost or other organic matter. Plant a handful of corms a few centimetres apart so you start out with a reasonable clump, and cover with soil.

Is crocosmia invasive?

Crocosmia Monbretia is very invasive and if not split and thinned out will not flower well. Other cultivars like Lucifer and Emily Macenzie aren't invasive, but are difficult to establish. It seems like more luck than judgement with these plants.

When can I divide Crocosmia?

You can split these corms apart in spring or late autumn before new growth appears every two to three years. Splitting, or dividing, the corms provides you with new plants and prevents the bed from becoming crowded.

Can Crocosmia grow in shade?

Crocosmias grow well in most soil types, but do best in soil that retains some moisture in summer. They prefer full sun, but also tolerate dappled or light shade.

Are Crocosmia bulbs poisonous to dogs?

Crocosmia 'Lucifer' has no toxic effects reported.

What can I plant next to crocosmia?

Their intense colors contrast well with blue and purple Salvias (Sage), Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile), Geraniums (Cranesbills) or silver foliage plants. There is a wide choice of companion plants. Alternatively, you may want to browse these planting combinations created by talented gardeners.