For a real color punch in a hot border Crocosmia will fill the bill. The unusual flowers rise up on tall arching stems and are striking against the tall attractive gladiola-like foliage. The clumps grow from corms and slowly spread. The flowers attract humming birds and butterflies and are good in bouquets; I used them in the bridal bouquet with rust colored calla lilies and alstroemerias for a fall wedding.
Type: Herbaceous perennial.
Bloom: Scarlet and yellow flowers hang from stiffly arching tall stems in summer.
Size: 3-4’ H x 1’ W.
Light: Full sun to partial shade, but prefers full sun.
Soil: Average, well drained soil.
Hardiness: Zones 5-9.
Care: In areas with winter temperatures below 0 F, lift corms in the fall.
Pests and Diseases: Spider mite can cause problems.
Propagation: Division or by corm offset.
Companion plants: Scarlet Asiatic lily such as ‘Gran Paridiso’; Sneezeweed (Helenium) ‘Moerheim Beauty’; canna with dark burgundy foliage such as ‘Wyoming’ (has orange flower); butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa); dahlia ‘Bishop o Llandaff’.
Comments: Excellent cut flower; attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Tolerates heat and humidity.
