Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Queen of Spain' (montbretia 'Queen of Spain') — Clump-forming, upright with arching flower sprays

Overview

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Queen of Spain' 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 'Queen of Spain' 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 and naturalizing in sunny spots..

About

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Queen of Spain' is a clump-forming montbretia with upright growth and arching flower sprays. Its foliage is deciduous, composed of stiff, pleated, sword-shaped leaves of mid to bright green. Flowering occurs from July to September. It favours full sun to partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive loam and a sheltered aspect.

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 'Queen of Spain' is a perennial in the iris family (Iridaceae) grown for its tall sprays of summer bloom. The plant forms recognisable clumps with upright growth that carry arching flower stems, while the leaves are stiff, pleated and sword-shaped. Flowering is concentrated from July to September. Plant into a fertile, moisture-retentive loam improved with organic matter and place where it receives full sun to partial shade; south, west or east-facing aspects are preferred. Soils from acid to alkaline are acceptable provided they remain moist but well drained. A sheltered position reduces wind damage to the arching stems. It is rated H4–H6 (H4 average; H5 hardy; H6 very hardy), so it will suit most mainland UK gardens with routine winter protection in the coldest spots. Use 'Queen of Spain' in mixed or cottage borders, add to naturalising drifts in sunny beds, or grow for cutting. The upright clumps provide multiple stems for vase work during the July–September season, and lifting and dividing the corm chains every few years maintains vigour.

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 'Queen of Spain' 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 sunny spots.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Queen of Spain'

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 'Queen of Spain'?

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 'Queen of Spain'?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Queen of Spain' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Queen of Spain' need?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Queen of Spain' 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 'Queen of Spain'?

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 'Queen of Spain' hardy in the UK?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Queen of Spain' 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 'Queen of Spain'?

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 →