Crocosmia aurea (falling stars, Valentine flower) — Clump-forming, upright with arching flower sprays

Overview

Crocosmia aurea is a clump-forming, upright with arching flower sprays perennial in the genus Crocosmia, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous; stiff, pleated, sword-shaped, mid to bright green foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Crocosmia aurea grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates fertile and moisture-retentive loam improved with organic matter soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4-H6. It is native to Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

About

Crocosmia aurea is a clump-forming perennial in the iris family that carries upright stems topped with arching sprays of summer flowers. It reaches about 1.0 m and produces stiff, pleated, sword-shaped leaves that die back in winter. Flowering occurs from July to September with bright orange to red blooms that nod along the stems.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Crocosmia aurea

About the genus

Crocosmia, also known as montbretia, is a small genus of flowering plants in the iris family, Iridaceae. It is native to the grasslands of southern and eastern Africa, ranging from South Africa to Sudan. One species is endemic to Madagascar.

Wikipedia contributors, "Crocosmia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Crocosmia

In the garden

Crocosmia aurea is a perennial member of the Iridaceae, native to parts of central and southern Africa including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and several provinces of South Africa. Its habit is clump-forming, with stems that rise to around 1.0 m and produce branched, arching flower sprays of orange to red flowers between July and September. Plant where it receives full sun to partial shade in a south, west or east-facing position and where exposure is sheltered. It prefers fertile, moisture-retentive loam improved with organic matter, and will tolerate acid, neutral or alkaline soils provided they remain moist but well drained. Hardiness is given as H4–H6, so it will survive outdoors across much of the UK from average to very hardy conditions, though a sheltered spot reduces frost damage to late shoots. Use Crocosmia aurea towards the middle or rear of a border where its 1.0 m stems add height and movement in late summer. Leave space for the arching sprays to droop between sturdier perennials and avoid exposed sites where wind can flatten the flowering stems. Expect a clear display of pendant orange-red blooms over several weeks from July to September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Crocosmia

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Fertile, moisture-retentive loam improved with organic matter
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained
Aspect: South, west or east facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4-H6

Plant details

Crocosmia aurea size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright with arching flower sprays
Foliage: Deciduous; stiff, pleated, sword-shaped, mid to bright green
Height: 1.0 m
Native to: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Crocosmia aurea

Cultivation: Plant corms in spring rather than autumn, setting them around 10cm deep in ground that holds summer moisture, since drought during bud formation is what produces a poor showing. Clumps become congested within a few years and flowering falls away, so lift and divide regularly. The most vigorous kinds spread strongly and are best kept away from delicate neighbours; in colder gardens a dry winter mulch protects the corms.
Pruning: Remove faded flower stems, or leave the seed capsules for autumn interest. Cut the foliage down once it has yellowed in late autumn, or leave it as crown protection and clear in early spring.
Propagation: Divide congested clumps in spring, separating the chains of corms and replanting the plump upper ones. Species can be raised from seed.
Pest resistance: Little troubled outdoors; red spider mite occurs on plants under glass, and slugs graze new shoots.
Disease resistance: Robust in suitable conditions. Gladiolus rust and corm rot occur occasionally, the latter where drainage is poor.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Crocosmia aurea?

Plant corms in spring rather than autumn, setting them around 10cm deep in ground that holds summer moisture, since drought during bud formation is what produces a poor showing. Clumps become congested within a few years and flowering falls away, so lift and divide regularly. The most vigorous kinds spread strongly and are best kept away from delicate neighbours; in colder gardens a dry winter mulch protects the corms.

Where is the best place to plant Crocosmia aurea?

Crocosmia aurea prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Crocosmia aurea need?

Crocosmia aurea grows best in fertile and moisture-retentive loam improved with organic matter soil. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained.

How do I prune Crocosmia aurea?

Remove faded flower stems, or leave the seed capsules for autumn interest. Cut the foliage down once it has yellowed in late autumn, or leave it as crown protection and clear in early spring.

How big does Crocosmia aurea grow?

Crocosmia aurea reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Crocosmia aurea hardy in the UK?

Crocosmia aurea has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Crocosmia aurea?

Divide congested clumps in spring, separating the chains of corms and replanting the plump upper ones. Species can be raised from seed.

More in the Crocosmia genus

Browse all Crocosmia →