(Crocosmia, Montbretia)

A brilliant presence in the summer garden, crocosmias are somewhat cold-tender herbaceous perennials native to South Africa. Although represented by several species in the wild, they are best known in gardens by their hybrid cultivars. In summer, spreading clumps of sword-like leaves give rise to tall, slender stems topped with arching flower spikes. The tubular orange, red or yellow flowers have six lobes that flare at the tips. Plants grow from bulb-like corms that spread by underground stolons....

(Crocosmia, Jenny Bloom Montbretia, Montbretia)

Montbretias are herbaceous perennials native to South Africa. This hybrid montbretia bears long arching wands of golden yellow flowers that open from orange buds. The six-lobed blooms, which resemble miniature daylilies, rise on long wiry stems above pleated, erect, iris-like leaves in mid and late summer. The plants grow from corms which spread by underground stolons.

Plant montbretia in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. In colder regions, plant it near...

(Bressingham Beacon Montbretia, Crocosmia, Montbretia)

Montbretias are herbaceous perennials native to South Africa. This hybrid montbretia bears long arching wands of glowing red-orange flowers with yellow eyes. The six-lobed blooms, which resemble miniature daylilies, rise on long wiry stems above pleated, erect, iris-like leaves in mid and late summer. The plants grow from corms which spread by underground stolons.

Plant montbretia in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. In colder regions, plant it near a...

(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...