Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Star of the East' (montbretia 'Star of the East') — Clump-forming, upright with arching flower sprays

Overview

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Star of the East' 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 'Star of the East' 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 'Star of the East' is a clump-forming perennial in the iris family that carries upright growth topped by arching flower sprays. The leaves are deciduous, stiff and pleated, sword-shaped and mid to bright green. It flowers from July to September. Use it where tall, vertical foliage and late-summer stems are required, including cutting.

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 'Star of the East' sits in the Iridaceae and forms clumps with upright flowering sprays that arch from the top of the stems. Flowering runs from July to September, providing a clear late-summer to early-autumn display and material for cutting. The deciduous leaves are stiff, pleated and sword-shaped, offering a vertical structural element through the growing season. Plant in a position that receives full sun to partial shade on a south, west or east-facing aspect; a sheltered site is preferable. It performs best in fertile, moisture-retentive loam improved with organic matter and where the soil remains moist but well drained. Soil pH can be acid, neutral or alkaline, so it will tolerate a wide range of soils provided drainage is good and organic content is present. Hardiness is H4–H6, which in UK terms ranges from average to very hardy, so it suits most garden locations away from the most exposed sites. Use in mixed borders and cottage-style beds, for naturalising in sunny patches or for cutting into summer and early-autumn arrangements. The combination of erect, pleated foliage and long-flowering sprays makes it a practical choice where seasonal stem length and structure are wanted.

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 'Star of the East' 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 'Star of the East'

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 'Star of the East'?

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 'Star of the East'?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Star of the East' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Star of the East' need?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Star of the East' 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 'Star of the East'?

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 'Star of the East' hardy in the UK?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Star of the East' 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 'Star of the East'?

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 →