Crocosmia 'Hellfire' (Crocosmia 'Hellfire') — Clump-forming perennial

Overview

Crocosmia 'Hellfire' is a clump-forming perennial perennial in the genus Crocosmia, part of the Iridaceae family, with sword-shaped leaves foliage. Crocosmia 'Hellfire' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and containers.

About

Crocosmia 'Hellfire' is a perennial cultivar of the Crocosmia genus, a group of flowering plants in the iris family native to the grasslands of southern and eastern Africa. This cultivar thrives in well-drained, moist soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and prefers full sun to partial shade, ideally in a south-facing, sheltered position. Suitable for borders, containers, and cut flowers, it is hardy in the UK (H5). Plant corms in spring or autumn, spacing them 15-20 cm apart, and cut back the foliage to ground level in late autumn after flowering.

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
Soil pH: neutral, slightly acidic
Soil moisture: moist
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Crocosmia 'Hellfire' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Habit: Clump-forming perennial
Foliage: Sword-shaped leaves
Suggested uses: borders, cut flowers, containers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Crocosmia 'Hellfire'

Cultivation: Plant corms in spring or autumn, spacing 15-20 cm apart; prefers well-drained soil and full sun; mulch in winter in colder areas.
Pruning: Cut back foliage after flowering to ground level in late autumn.
Propagation: division of corms in spring or autumn
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Crocosmia 'Hellfire'?

Plant corms in spring or autumn, spacing 15-20 cm apart; prefers well-drained soil and full sun; mulch in winter in colder areas.

Where is the best place to plant Crocosmia 'Hellfire'?

Crocosmia 'Hellfire' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Crocosmia 'Hellfire' need?

Crocosmia 'Hellfire' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Crocosmia 'Hellfire'?

Cut back foliage after flowering to ground level in late autumn.

Is Crocosmia 'Hellfire' hardy in the UK?

Crocosmia 'Hellfire' 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 'Hellfire'?

Division of corms in spring or autumn.

More in the Crocosmia genus

Browse all Crocosmia →