About
Crocosmia 'Kathleen' is a perennial that forms dense clumps and features elongated, pleated green foliage. In mid to late summer, it produces graceful spikes adorned with orange blooms that showcase a golden yellow interior and a deep red underside.
About the genus
Crocosmia are perennial plants that die back in winter, characterized by their upright, sword-like foliage and branched flower spikes that produce vibrant, funnel-shaped blooms during the summer months.
Growing conditions
- 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
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Plant 8 to 10cm deep in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. Mulch well in areas prone to frost. Lift and divide congested clumps to maintain vigour. Has the potential to become a nuisance in some gardens if not managed well
- Pruning
- No pruning required. Remove dead leaves and flower stems before new growth starts in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring just before growth starts
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free