Montbretia (crocosmia) Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
Montbretia (crocosmia) (Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Iridaceae family, native to Garden hybrid (C. aurea x C. pottsii) raised in France in 1880; parents from South Africa. It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Montbretia (crocosmia) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Montbretia (crocosmia) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 5–8 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Garden hybrid (C. aurea x C. pottsii) raised in France in 1880; parents from South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Invasive in | Australia (environmental weed in several states), New Zealand (environmental weed), Ireland and UK (widely naturalised, spreads by corms): check local rules before planting |
Is Montbretia (crocosmia) toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Toxicity is not well documented; not listed as a significant poison by the ASPCA or RHS.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Montbretia (crocosmia)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Montbretia (crocosmia)
- How far apart should I plant Montbretia (crocosmia)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Montbretia (crocosmia) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Montbretia (crocosmia) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Montbretia (crocosmia)?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Montbretia (crocosmia) flower?
- From about July for 5–8 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Montbretia (crocosmia) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Toxicity is not well documented; not listed as a significant poison by the ASPCA or RHS.
- What grows well with Montbretia (crocosmia)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Montbretia (crocosmia). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Spreads vigorously by corms; do not dump garden waste in the wild.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Japanese iris Iris ensata
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- Gladiolus Gladiolus x hortulanus
- Freesia Freesia refracta hybrids
- African iris Dietes grandiflora
- Bugle lily (watsonia) Watsonia borbonica