
Crocosmia
A feeling of heat and drama can be added to the garden with the addition
of orange and red colored plants. Drifts or blocks of Crocosmia will
help to achieve this feeling with their green spear-like leaves topped
with long flower stems and flowers ranging in color from light orange
to deep red. Crocosmia will grow happily in containers, beds and borders and is
sure to thrive in most gardens.
How to grow
Crocosmia is
a very easy plant to grow and will readily self-seed and grow new
corms, allowing it to be divided in three or four years time. The
Crocosmia on offer have been expertly grown and as a result, offer the
best start possible to you and your garden. After delivery you should
endeavor to plant them in to their final positions as soon as possible.
Position
Crocosmia
relish a position in sun and will even grow in partial shade. Their
architectural and upright stems punctuate borders and add contrast and
texture. Although Crocosmia originates from South Africa they are very
tolerant of colder temperatures and poorer soils.
Soil
Crocosmia
perform best on well drained, fertile and moist soil but will grow on
pretty much any soil as long as it does not dry out for long periods.
You can improve soil by digging it over with a garden fork or spade,
incorporating plenty of organic matter, well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost will
be fine. This will help to improve soil structure, drainage and water
retention.
Care
Little care is required when
growing Crocosmia, however, after planting you should water them well
for a period of time after planting. Installing an irrigation system will help to keep
plants moist and can often be automated. It is also recommended that
faded flower stems are removed prior to them setting seed to avoid
plants putting all of their energy in to seed production and weakening
corms. Add fertilizer when planting and at
regular intervals afterwards to encourage strong growth. A liquid seaweed feed can
also be applied in the growing season to improve plant vigor.
Top
tip
If plants stop flowering or develop hollow centered
clumps after a couple of years in the ground division may be needed.
Dig up plants and choose the plumpest corms to replant.