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Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Babylon'

Image of Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Babylon'

International Flower Bulb Centre

Family

Iridaceae

Botanical Name

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Babylon'

Plant Common Name

Babylon Montbretia, Crocosmia, Montbretia

General Description

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 excellent for cutting. A vigorous spreader, it has escaped the garden in some areas and should be divided every few years to maintain a nice clump.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 3

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Bulb or Corm or Tuber

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    0'-0' / 0.0m - 0.0m (2)

  • Width

    0'-0' / 0.0m - 0.0m (2)

  • Bloom Time

    Summer

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Red, Orange, Orange Red

  • Fruit Color

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes