Crocosmia: the plant of the false saffron

A bulbous plant, cultivated in the garden and capable of giving a rich range of tonal nuances ranging from the brilliance of orange-yellow to the most romantic and vital colors of red. What are we talking about? Crocosmia, also known as Montbretia.

A flower that has been able to win the hearts of many lovers of nature and its manifestations by virtue of its decorative beauty – much appreciated for recreating real garden designs – and persistence in the water. What does it mean? The flower of the plant, although severed, continues to live if properly watered, leaving the most characteristic colors of the species to be cultivated unaltered.

In this article we have chosen to open a brief informative overview about the cultivation characteristics of this plant, so as to better understand its history, provenance and curiosities: here is what to know about Crocosmia!

Main features of Crocosmia

Crocosmia is a bulbous plant native to the tropical areas of Africa, whose Iridaceae family is the same as that of Iris and Tritoma. With a bulb of about 7-8 centimeters – depending on the species of origin – and with erect leaves of bright green color, it is a choice increasingly appreciated by those who want to give a touch of unusual color to their garden.

The flowers – which are becoming more in demand and loved by consumers over time – are gathered in inflorescences whose decorative shades largely depend on the type of Crocosmia that one chooses to cultivate: warm and summer shades, accompanied by the typical saffron scent and consisting of the beautiful yellow, orange and ruby red leaves tightened around the particular sword-shaped branches.

How to bring the summer vibrations transmitted by this plant even in its own green corner? How to grow such a delicate flower?

Crocosmia: plant cultivation methods

Crocosmia needs continuous exposure to the Sun, although the flowers also grow in slightly shady positions. Attention to the wind, the true enemy of the Iridaceae family: despite being resistant to low temperatures, frost and direct cold in contact with the bulbs risk damaging the integrity of the Crocosmia.

Our advice is to choose a soil that is vitamin and mineralized, that is rich in organic substances that make the density of the earth soft and draining.

Crocosmia: diseases and treatments

The flowers of Crocosmia suffer most from the adverse and cold climate, as they appear as a typical summer plant. As for the attacks of pests and diseases, they tend to fall victim to mites and root rots, which derive from the choice of an insufficiently draining soil.

How to solve the long-standing problem? Using a natural insecticide against red spider mites and reducing watering allows, in most cases, to restore the plant’s original wellness and health status.

Crocosmia: curiosity

Crocosmia is often called in the jargon << plant of the false saffron >> as it presents a perfume that remembers its belonging. Moreover, since it is a species capable of producing flowers of the highest quality, it is particularly appreciated in the creation of furnishing solutions in the garden or at home, becoming the undisputed star of its own green corner.

Among the varieties most appreciated by enthusiasts, we mention: Crocosmia Lucifer, Aurea and Pottsii, of South African origin.