(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...

(Crocosmia, Montbretia)

Herbaceous perennials native to South Africa, crocosmias are best known in gardens by hybrids such as this nineteenth century introduction from the French plantsman Victor Lemoine. In summer, its spreading clumps of sword-like leaves give rise to knee-high, slender, arching spikes of brilliant tubular flowers with six spreading lobes. The gladiolus-like blooms are peachy yellow inside and red outside, with orange shadings. Plants grow from bulb-like corms that spread by underground stolons.

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(Crocosmia, Montbretia)

Herbaceous perennials native to South Africa, crocosmias are best known in gardens by "montbretia" hybrids such as this recent Dutch introduction. In summer, its spreading clumps of sword-like leaves give rise to knee-high, slender, arching spikes of small tubular flowers with six spreading lobes. The gladiolus-like blooms are golden yellow with orange-tinged exteriors. Plants grow from bulb-like corms that spread by underground stolons.

This montbretia is eye catching in the sunny border when...

(Crocosmia, Montbretia, Solfatare Montbretia)

Herbaceous perennials native to South Africa, crocosmias are best known for their striking flowers. In summer, Solfatare montbretia has spreading clumps of bronzy sword-like leaves which give rise to tall, slender, arching spikes of tubular apricot-yellow flowers. Plants grow from bulb-like corms that spread via underground stolons. This antique hybrid was introduced in 1886 by the renowned French nurseryman Victor Lemoine.

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

(Crocosmia, Montbretia, Venus Montbretia)

Herbaceous perennials native to South Africa, montbretias are best known in gardens by Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora hybrids such as 'Venus'. In summer, its spreading clumps of sword-like leaves give rise to thigh-high, slender, arching spikes of deep red-orange, tubular flowers with peachy-yellow centers. Plants grow from bulb-like corms that spread via underground stolons.

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

(Hybrid Crocus, Spring Crocus)

A welcome sight in late winter, this heirloom crocus opens its cheerful flowers while the last remnants of snow still linger. Introduced in the mid-twentieth century, it is one of many hybrids that trace their ancestry to Crocus chrysanthus and C. biflorus.

Growing from a small bulb-like storage organ known as a corm, this diminutive herbaceous perennial sends up one to four flowers in winter or early spring, just as the grassy, shiny, dark green leaves emerge. Held...

(Dutch Crocus, Hybrid Crocus, Spring Crocus)

One of many hybrid crocuses that trace their ancestry to Crocus chrysanthus and C. biflorus, this 1967 introduction bears beautiful snowy flowers early in the year. As with all other crocuses, this diminutive herbaceous perennial grows from a small bulb-like storage organ known as a corm. In late winter or early spring, one to four white flowers arise on ankle-high, stalk-like floral tubes. Goblet-shaped when closed, the blossoms have a flame of purplish stipples at the...

(Hybrid Crocus, Spring Crocus)

A welcome sight in late winter, this heirloom crocus opens its cheerful flowers while the last remnants of snow still linger. Introduced in the mid-twentieth century, it is one of many hybrids that trace their ancestry to Crocus chrysanthus and C. biflorus.

Growing from a small bulb-like storage organ known as a corm, this diminutive herbaceous perennial sends up one to four white flowers in winter or early spring, just as the grassy, shiny, dark green leaves emerge....