Overview
Crocosmia 'Fire King' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Crocosmia, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Crocosmia 'Fire King' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and any pH. 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 pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Crocosmia 'Fire King' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
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. It is happy in soil of any pH. 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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Crocosmia genus
- Crocosmia aureafalling stars, Valentine flower
- Crocosmia masonorumMontbretia
- Crocosmia pottsiiPotts' montbretia
- Crocosmia × crocosmiifloramontbretia
- Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'A. E. Amos'Montbretia
- Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Aurore'Montbretia
- Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Carmin Brilliant'Montbretia
- Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Emily McKenzie'montbretia 'Emily McKenzie'