BOTANICAL: Crocosmia masoniorum x crocusmiiflora 'Lucifer' (syn: Monbretia, Tritonia)

PRONOUNCED: kroh-KOZ-mee-uh mah-so-ee-NOR-um kroh-koz-mee-eye-FLOR-uh

Click on the picture for a close up.

COMMON: Crocosmia, Monbretia, Montebretia. BLOOM HEIGHT LIGHT ZONE Mid-July to early August 1 ft. - 3 ft. x equal spread Sun 5 - 9 TYPE: Corm COLORS: Brilliant red, yellow or orange. COMMENTS: Plant corms 3- to 5-inches deep in spring. Crocosmias are members of the iris family and have swollen underground corms that increase freely to form sheaves of sword-shaped leaves. Unsurpassed for blazing color and elegance, the robust plant displays intensely colored and unusual blossoms which hang on the end of arched, wiry stems. Best planted in large displays but may need to be lifted in Zone 5, or very heavily protected over winter, although the picture is of a plant I have successfully grown inground for many years. Provide a well-drained, moist, humusy soil. Highly attractive to hummingbirds. Crocosmia 'Canary Bird' is a golden yellow, as is 'Jenny', and 'Norwich canary' is a bright yellow.