Crocosmia aurea subsp. aurea — Clump forming, Columnar upright

Overview

Crocosmia aurea subsp. aurea is a clump forming, columnar upright bulbs in the genus Crocosmia, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Crocosmia aurea subsp. aurea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and prairie planting.

About

Crocosmia aurea subsp. aurea is a perennial bulbous plant in the Iridaceae family, forming clumps with an upright, columnar habit. Like other Crocosmia, it features sword-like foliage that dies back in winter and produces branched spikes of vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers during the summer. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, preferring moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, it suits a range of garden settings including city courtyards, cottage gardens, and prairie-style plantings, and is best propagated by division or seed sown in a cold frame.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Crocosmia

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Crocosmia aurea subsp. aurea size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Bulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming, Columnar upright
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Crocosmia aurea subsp. aurea

Propagation: Propagate by division in early spring when clumps become congested or Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe
Pest resistance: May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Crocosmia aurea subsp. aurea?

Crocosmia aurea subsp. aurea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Crocosmia aurea subsp. aurea need?

Crocosmia aurea subsp. aurea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Crocosmia aurea subsp. aurea hardy in the UK?

Crocosmia aurea subsp. 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 subsp. aurea?

Propagate by division in early spring when clumps become congested or Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe.

More in the Crocosmia genus

Browse all Crocosmia →