(Crocosmia, Montbretia)

The fiery flowers of this upright herbaceous perennial set the garden aglow during summer's dog days. Developed by famed British plantsman Alan Bloom, it is one of many garden hybrids of the South African genus Crocosmia, which are sometimes known as montbretias.

From mid to late summer, 'Mistral' bears arching wands of upfacing orange-red flowers. Resembling miniature daylilies, the six-lobed, long-tubed blooms cluster along thigh-high stems above pleated, erect, iris-like leaves. The...

(Crocosmia, Montbretia)

A fitting tribute to the god of fire, this herbaceous perennial bears glowing flowers on relatively compact plants. Developed by famed British plantsman Alan Bloom, it is one of many garden hybrids of the South African genus Crocosmia, which are sometimes known as montbretias.

In summer, 'Vulcan' bears arching wands of upfacing, rich orange-red flowers. Resembling miniature daylilies, the six-lobed, long-tubed blooms cluster on knee-high stems above pleated, erect, iris-like leaves....

(Crocosmia, Montbretia)

Herbaceous perennials native to South Africa, crocosmias are best known in gardens by this variable and showy hybrid. In summer, its spreading clumps of sword-like leaves give rise to tall, slender, arching spikes of tubular orange, red or yellow flowers with six flaring lobes. Plants grow from bulb-like corms that spread by underground stolons. Numerous cultivars are available, including some dating back 100 years or more.

This plant is striking in the sunny border when grown in fertile, well-drained...

(Babylon Montbretia, Crocosmia, Montbretia)

In summer, Babylon montbretia has spreading clumps of sword-like leaves which give rise to tall, slender, arching spikes of tubular red-orange flowers. The open flowers have a star-like appearance. It is an herbaceous perennial that rises from a bulb-like corm.

Montbretia is striking in the sunny border when grown in fertile, well-drained soil. In colder climates, mulching will improve its winter hardiness, or its corms can be lifted and stored. Montbretia attracts bees and butterflies and is...

(Carmin Brilliant Montbretia, Crocosmia, Montbretia)

Herbaceous perennials native to South Africa, montbretias are best known in gardens by Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora hybrids such as 'Carmin Brilliant'. In summer, its spreading clumps of sword-like leaves give rise to tall, slender, arching spikes of dazzling orange-red tubular flowers. It is one of many crocosmia cultivars introduced in the early 20th century.

'Carmin Brilliant' is striking in the sunny border when grown in fertile, well-drained soil. In colder climates, mulching will improve...

(Crocosmia, Montbretia)

Herbaceous perennials native to South Africa, crocosmias are best known in gardens by hybrids such as 'Constance'. In summer, its spreading clumps of sword-like leaves give rise to medium-tall, slender, arching spikes of brilliant tubular flowers with six spreading lobes. The extra large, lily-like blooms are striking burnt red-orange with lemon yellow throats. Plants grow from bulb-like corms that spread by underground stolons.

'Constance' is eye catching in the sunny border when grown in fertile,...

(Crocosmia, Emberglow Montbretia, Montbretia)

Herbaceous perennials native to South Africa, montbretias are best known in gardens by Crocosmia hybrids such as 'Emberglow'. In summer, its spreading clumps of sword-like leaves give rise to tall, slender, arching spikes of brilliant orange-red tubular flowers.

'Emberglow' is striking in the sunny border when grown in fertile, well-drained soil. One of the hardiest cultivars, it can be mulched to boost winter hardiness, or its corms can be lifted and stored. It attracts bees and butterflies...

(Crocosmia, Emily McKenzie Montbretia, Montbretia)

Herbaceous perennials native to South Africa, crocosmias are best known in gardens by this showy hybrid. In summer, Emily McKenzie montbretia has spreading clumps of sword-like leaves which give rise to tall, slender, arching spikes of tubular soft orange flowers with red accents in their throats.

This plant is striking in the sunny border when grown in fertile, well-drained soil. In colder climates, mulching will improve its winter hardiness, or its corms can be lifted and stored. Montbretia...

(Crocosmia, George Davidson Montbretia, Montbretia)

Herbaceous perennials native to South Africa, montbretias are best known in gardens by Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora hybrids such as 'George Davison'. In summer, its spreading clumps of sword-like leaves give rise to slender, arching spikes of soft yellow tubular flowers. This cultivar is often confused with 'Norwich Canary.'

'George Davison' is striking in the sunny border when grown in fertile, well-drained soil. In colder climates, mulching will improve its winter hardiness, or its corms can...

(Crocosmia, Mars Montbretia, Montbretia)

Herbaceous perennials native to South Africa, montbretias are best known in gardens by hybrids such as 'Mars'. In summer, its spreading clumps of sword-like leaves give rise to slender, arching spikes of dazzling scarlet tubular flowers on relatively compact stems. Plants grow from bulb-like corms that spread via underground stolons.

'Mars' is striking in the sunny border when grown in fertile, well-drained soil. In colder climates, mulching will improve its winter hardiness, or its corms can...