Crocosmia 'Fire King' (Fire King Crocosmia) — perennial

Overview

Crocosmia 'Fire King' is a perennial in the genus Crocosmia, part of the Iridaceae family. Crocosmia 'Fire King' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and cottage gardens.

About

Crocosmia 'Fire King' is a perennial cultivar of the Crocosmia genus, known as montbretia, which belongs to the iris family, Iridaceae. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture. Suitable for borders, cut flowers, and cottage gardens, it is hardy in the UK (H5) and can be grown in both sheltered and exposed locations. Planting corms in spring with regular watering during growth and mulching in winter supports healthy development, while cutting back foliage after flowering helps maintain the plant.

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: well-drained, fertile
Soil moisture: moist, well-drained
Exposure: sheltered to exposed
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Crocosmia 'Fire King' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, cut flowers, cottage gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Crocosmia 'Fire King'

Cultivation: Plant corms in spring in well-drained soil; water regularly during growth; mulch in winter.
Pruning: Cut back foliage after flowering and when it dies down in autumn.
Propagation: division of corms in spring or autumn

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Crocosmia 'Fire King'?

Plant corms in spring in well-drained soil; water regularly during growth; mulch in winter.

Where is the best place to plant Crocosmia 'Fire King'?

Crocosmia 'Fire King' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.

What soil does Crocosmia 'Fire King' need?

Crocosmia 'Fire King' grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.

How do I prune Crocosmia 'Fire King'?

Cut back foliage after flowering and when it dies down in autumn.

Is Crocosmia 'Fire King' hardy in the UK?

Crocosmia 'Fire King' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Crocosmia 'Fire King'?

Division of corms in spring or autumn.

More in the Crocosmia genus

Browse all Crocosmia →