Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey' (Montbretia) — Clump-forming, upright with arching flower sprays

Overview

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey' 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. Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey' 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. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers, naturalizing in moist and well-drained soils..

About

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey' is a clump-forming perennial in the iris family that produces upright clumps with arching flower sprays. It has stiff, pleated, sword-shaped deciduous leaves in mid to bright green and flowers from July to September. It prefers full sun to partial shade on fertile, moisture-retentive loam and suits south, west or east-facing, sheltered spots. Plant in moist but well-drained soil of any pH and expect winter hardiness around H4–H6.

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 × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey' sits in the Iridaceae as a clump-forming perennial noted for upright growth finishing in arching sprays of bloom. The foliage is stiff and pleated, with sword-shaped leaves that die back; flowering runs from July to September, making it a summer-to-early-autumn contributor to the border. Give it full sun or light afternoon shade on a south, west or east-facing aspect where it will be sheltered from strong winds. It prefers a fertile, moisture-retentive loam improved with organic matter and tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline soils so long as the soil remains moist but well drained; avoid waterlogged winter sites. Hardiness is H4–H6, equivalent to average to very hardy garden conditions in the UK. Use 'James Coey' in mixed borders and cottage-style beds, planted towards the back or middle where its upright clumps and arching sprays can be seen and picked. It also works well for cut flowers and for naturalising in consistently moist, well-drained areas of the plot. Cut individual flower spikes when open to extend display and to bring its summer-to-early-autumn blooms indoors.

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 × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey' 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
Suggested uses: Borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers, naturalizing in moist, well-drained soils.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey'

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 × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey'?

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 × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey'?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey' need?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey' 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 × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey'?

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.

Is Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey' hardy in the UK?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey' 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 × crocosmiiflora 'James Coey'?

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

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