Long known as Montbretia the Crocosmia are colourful garden plants that respond with easy care and maintenance. Choose a sunny location for planting and cultivate the soil beforehand, removing any perennial weeds and incorporating some well-rotted humus material such as garden compost, old manure, once-used potting soil, etc.

Deep planting of the pot-grown corms not only gives a stronger plant but is also to be recommended in colder locations as this will ensure frost protection to the roots in cold  spells of weather during winter. They are not recommended for growing long term in containers.

A dressing of a good general fertilizer such as Vitax Q4 or Fish Blood & Bone at roughly a handful to the square yard is recommended in early March. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers such as Growmore because these will encourage leaf growth at the expense of flower production later in the year. Normally once plants are established additional watering other than that  supplied by rainfall is unnecessary.

Generally plants are self-supporting and do not require staking.

After flowering has ceased in the late Autumn then cut down the old stems to approximately 2in. above ground level and remove any weeds. When the plants have been established a few years you will find it beneficial to them if you divide the clumps. This is best done in late Autumn and then replant the strongest corms immediately, because during the Winter period, although there is no sign of growth above ground, the corms are making new shoots below ground and if division is delayed until early Spring then damage can result to these delicate shoots.

If you follow these few simple guidelines then you should gain much pleasure from having these attractive plants in your garden.