(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...

(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...