A Guide To Planting, Growing, And Caring For Crocosmia Plants In 2020 Crocosmia, Plants

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Table of Contents

1. What are Crocosmias?
2. Where to Plant Crocosmias?
3. How to Plant Crocosmias?
4. How to Care for Crocosmias?
5. How to Propagate Crocosmias?

1. What are Crocosmias?

Crocosmia is a genus of flowering plants that are native to Africa. They are commonly known as Montbretia and are members of the Iris family. These plants produce long, arching stems that bear spikes of brightly colored flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and have six petals. Crocosmias are popular garden plants because they are easy to grow, produce an abundance of flowers, and have a long flowering season.

Crocosmias are herbaceous perennials that grow from corms. The corms are underground storage organs that allow the plants to survive periods of drought or cold weather. Crocosmias have narrow, sword-shaped leaves that grow in a clump at the base of the plant. The leaves can be up to 2 feet long and are typically green, but some varieties have variegated or bronze-colored foliage.

2. Where to Plant Crocosmias?

Crocosmias prefer to grow in full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Crocosmias are not fussy about soil pH, but they prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

Crocosmias can be planted in garden beds, borders, or containers. They are also suitable for naturalizing in meadows or woodland areas. When planting crocosmias, it is important to space them at least 12 inches apart to allow for air circulation and to prevent the spread of disease.

3. How to Plant Crocosmias?

Crocosmias are typically planted in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed. To plant crocosmias, follow these steps:

1. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure.
3. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the corm.
4. Place the corm in the hole with the pointed end facing up.
5. Backfill the hole with soil and firm it down.
6. Water the plant thoroughly.

After planting, it is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the corms to rot. Once the plants are established, they require minimal watering.

4. How to Care for Crocosmias?

Crocosmias are low-maintenance plants that require minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for crocosmias:

• Water the plants regularly during the growing season, but do not water excessively.
• Fertilize the plants in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
• Cut back the foliage in the fall after it has died back naturally.
• Protect the plants from frost by covering them with a layer of mulch in the fall.

Crocosmias are generally pest and disease resistant, but they can be susceptible to aphids and slugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by handpicking. If the plants show signs of disease, such as yellowing foliage or stunted growth, they should be removed and disposed of to prevent the spread of disease to other plants.

5. How to Propagate Crocosmias?

Crocosmias can be propagated by division or by seed. Division is the easiest and most reliable method of propagation. To divide crocosmias, follow these steps:

1. Dig up the clump of crocosmias in the fall after the foliage has died back.
2. Separate the corms into individual plants.
3. Replant the corms in a new location or pot.

Crocosmia seeds can be collected from the spent flower heads in the fall. To grow crocosmias from seed, follow these steps:

1. Collect the seed heads when they are dry and brown.
2. Remove the seeds from the seed heads and store them in a cool, dry place.
3. In the spring, sow the seeds in a seed tray or small pots.
4. Keep the soil moist and warm until the seeds germinate.
5. Transplant the seedlings into larger pots or the garden bed when they are large enough to handle.

Conclusion

Crocosmias are easy-to-grow plants that produce an abundance of brightly colored flowers. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil and require minimal care. Crocosmias can be propagated by division or by seed. With a little bit of care, crocosmias can provide gardeners with many years of enjoyment.