Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Lady Hamilton' (montbretia 'Lady Hamilton') — Clump-forming, upright with arching flower sprays

Overview

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Lady Hamilton' 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 'Lady Hamilton' 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, cut flowers and naturalizing in woodland edges or wild gardens..

About

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Lady Hamilton' is a clump-forming perennial with upright stems that carry arching sprays of flowers. The plant forms stiff, pleated, sword-shaped leaves that are deciduous. It prefers full sun to partial shade on fertile, moisture-retentive loam enriched with organic matter. Flowering occurs from July to September, providing a summer to early-autumn display.

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 'Lady Hamilton' is a perennial in the iris family (Iridaceae) that grows as a neat clump with upright stems topped by arching flower sprays. The foliage is stiff and pleated, formed as sword-shaped leaves that die back seasonally. Plants are valued for their architectural leaf shape and the length of their flowering period. Give this montbretia a sunny or partly shaded spot on fertile, moisture-retentive loam improved with organic matter; it will tolerate acid, neutral or alkaline soils as long as they remain moist but well drained. Sit the clump on a south-, west- or east-facing aspect and avoid exposed locations—sheltered positions suit it best. In UK terms Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Lady Hamilton' occupies the H4–H6 range (average to very hardy), so it withstands typical garden winters provided the planting site is not wind-blasted. Use 'Lady Hamilton' in mixed herbaceous borders where upright stems can be shown to advantage, for cutting to bring into the vase, or for naturalising at the edges of woodlands and in wild gardens. Its reliable July to September flowering makes it a good choice when late-summer colour is required in borders or informal plantings.

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 'Lady Hamilton' 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, cut flowers, naturalizing in woodland edges or wild gardens.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Lady Hamilton'

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 'Lady Hamilton'?

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 'Lady Hamilton'?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Lady Hamilton' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Lady Hamilton' need?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Lady Hamilton' 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 'Lady Hamilton'?

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 'Lady Hamilton' hardy in the UK?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Lady Hamilton' 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 'Lady Hamilton'?

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 →