Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' — Clump forming

Overview

Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Crocosmia, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden, coastal and cut flowers.

About

Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' is a clump-forming cultivar of Crocosmia, a genus of flowering plants in the iris family native to African grasslands. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and suits east, south, or west-facing aspects. It tolerates a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with moist but well-drained conditions and a pH from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for flower borders, cottage gardens, coastal areas, and as cut flowers, and can be propagated by division in early spring.

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Crocosmia

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Cut flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie'

Propagation: Division in early spring
Pest resistance: Glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie'?

Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' need?

Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' hardy in the UK?

Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' 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 'Emily McKenzie'?

Division in early spring.

More in the Crocosmia genus

Browse all Crocosmia →