Crocosmias in Penn

Crocosmia spp.

Crocosmia
Crocosmia · Crocosmia spp.

Hardy perennial grown from corms in UK borders. Plant in moist but free-draining soil in sun or light shade, water well after planting, and leave the clump to settle before lifting and dividing every few years.

90 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Penn · last frost ≈ 30 Apr

Plant out February to April. Frost risk October to April.
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Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Crocosmia

  1. 01

    Plant Corms

    28 Feb to 30 Apr

    Plant corms around 28th February - 30th April, with the growing point just below the surface in firm, well-drained soil. Space them apart and water in thoroughly straight after planting.

  2. 02

    Water to Establish

    30 Apr to 28 Jun

    Keep the soil evenly moist for the first 30th April - 28th June while the corms root in. Give a deep soak in dry spells, then ease off once new growth is strong and the clump is settled.

  3. 03

    Deadhead Spent Stems

    14 Jun to 24 Oct

    From 14th June, remove faded flower stems as they finish to keep the plant tidy and encourage a longer display. Cut each stem back to the base once the last flowers on it have gone over.

  4. 04

    Cut Back Old Growth

    10 Oct to 23 Nov

    After hard frost has blackened the leaves, cut the faded foliage to the base during 10th October - 23rd November. Leave any green leaves in place until they die back naturally, because they are feeding next year's growth.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Crocosmia.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Crocosmia to consider

Lucifer

A widely grown crocosmia with bright red flowers and good garden vigour.

Emily McKenzie

Compact, free-flowering with orange blooms marked darker at the centre.

George Davidson

A reliable yellow-flowered cultivar that works well in mixed borders.

Star of the East

Orange-yellow flowers on arching stems, useful for a naturalistic look.

Crocosmia guides by town

See how Crocosmia timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.