Crocosmia matthewsiana (Montbretia) — perennial

Overview

Crocosmia matthewsiana is a perennial in the genus Crocosmia, part of the Iridaceae family. Crocosmia matthewsiana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and cut flowers. It is native to South Africa.

About

Crocosmia matthewsiana is a corm-forming perennial in the iris family Iridaceae, notable for producing arching spikes of red and orange flowers. It develops from basal underground corms that form vertical chains, a trait that affects both propagation and control. Flowering in the UK occurs from July to September. The corm chains are fragile and can separate easily, which influences how it is divided and moved.

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

In the garden

Crocosmia matthewsiana belongs to the iris family Iridaceae and follows the growth habit typical of its genus, arising from a series of basal corms. The wider group originates from grassland regions of southern and eastern Africa. Plants set alternate, sessile blooms on horizontally branched flowering stems and in the UK flower from July to September. Plants grow from stacked corms that renew annually; the youngest corms sit at the top of the chain while older, larger corms lie deeper in the soil. Those chains are fragile and separate readily, so careful lifting and division is the principal method both for propagation and for keeping clumps in check. Contractile roots on lower corms can pull bulbs down to a stable depth over time. Where space and presence of tall spikes are wanted, use Crocosmia matthewsiana where the arching flowers can be shown off — for example in mixed herbaceous borders or against a backdrop that supports its stems. Because of the ease with which corms divide, plan for occasional division to prevent unwanted spread and to renew vigour; note that the flowering season in the UK runs from July to September, which is the reliable window for inspecting and dividing corm chains.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Crocosmia

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Crocosmia matthewsiana size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, cut flowers
Native to: South Africa

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Crocosmia matthewsiana

Cultivation: Plant corms in spring or autumn, spacing 10-15 cm apart. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulch in winter in colder areas.
Pruning: Remove spent flower spikes to encourage tidiness. Lift and divide corms every few years to prevent overcrowding.
Propagation: By division of corm chains in spring or autumn.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Crocosmia matthewsiana?

Plant corms in spring or autumn, spacing 10-15 cm apart. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulch in winter in colder areas.