About

Crocosmia 'Beth Chatto' is a perennial that forms clumps and grows from corms. It features elongated, narrow leaves resembling swords. In late summer, it produces arching flower spikes adorned with sizable red blooms that have petals that curve backward.

About the genus

Crocosmia are perennial plants that die back in winter, characterized by their upright, sword-like foliage and branched flower spikes that produce vibrant, funnel-shaped blooms during the summer months.

Growing conditions

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

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal

Care notes

Cultivation
Plant 8 to 10cm deep in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. Mulch well in areas prone to frost. Lift and divide congested clumps to maintain vigour. Has the potential to become a nuisance in some gardens if not managed well
Pruning
No pruning required. Remove dead leaves and flower stems before new growth starts in spring
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring just before growth starts
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to red spider mite
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free