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CROCOSMIA x crocosmiiflora 'Emily McKenzie'

Image of Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Emily McKenzie'

International Flower Bulb Centre

Family

Iridaceae

Botanical Name

CROCOSMIA x crocosmiiflora 'Emily McKenzie'

Plant Common Name

Crocosmia, Emily McKenzie Montbretia, Montbretia

General Description

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 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 - 2

  • 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

    24"-30" / 61.0cm - 76.2cm

  • Width

    1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

  • 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

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • 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