Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Sir Matthew Wilson' (Montbretia) — Clump-forming, upright with arching flower sprays

Overview

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Sir Matthew Wilson' 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 'Sir Matthew Wilson' 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 sunny sheltered spots..

About

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Sir Matthew Wilson' is a clump-forming perennial in the iris family with upright growth that bears arching sprays of flowers. The leaves are deciduous, stiff and pleated, sword-shaped and mid to bright green. It prefers full sun to partial shade on fertile, moisture-retentive loam and flowers from July to September. Plant in a sheltered south-, west- or east-facing spot for best results.

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

A cultivar of Crocosmia in the Iridaceae, Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Sir Matthew Wilson' makes clumps of upright, sword-shaped leaves that carry arching flower sprays. The foliage is deciduous and pleated, and the plant is suited to sunny, sheltered sites where the stems can be displayed without heavy exposure. Flowering runs from July to September, providing high stems suitable for cutting. Give it a fertile, moisture-retentive loam improved with organic matter and avoid waterlogged or very dry positions; soil pH may be acid, neutral or alkaline. Sitings on a south, west or east aspect are appropriate, and plants tolerate full sun to partial shade provided they are sheltered from strong winds. In UK hardiness terms it occupies H4–H6 (average to very hardy), so it will survive most garden winters when planted in a reasonably protected spot. Use the cultivar in mixed borders to supply height and arching form, plant in groups for naturalising in sunny sheltered corners, or grow for cut flowers where the sprays can be cut at peak bloom. Regular feeding into the growing season helps sustain flower production, and the stems make long-lasting vase material between July and September.

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 'Sir Matthew Wilson' 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 sunny sheltered spots.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Sir Matthew Wilson'

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 'Sir Matthew Wilson'?

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 'Sir Matthew Wilson'?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Sir Matthew Wilson' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Sir Matthew Wilson' need?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Sir Matthew Wilson' 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 'Sir Matthew Wilson'?

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 'Sir Matthew Wilson' hardy in the UK?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Sir Matthew Wilson' 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 'Sir Matthew Wilson'?

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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