Also known as Montbretia · 421 saves
Crocosmia
Crocosmia, the genus most gardeners know as montbretia. We track 17 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 15 most-saved Crocosmia varieties
Browse all 17 Crocosmia varieties →
5 species of Crocosmia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Crocosmia in Sow
Save the Crocosmia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Crocosmia
Whats common across all Crocosmia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 17 most-grown of them.
The Crocosmia year
- DivideFebruary, March and September100% of varieties
Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-4 years when flowering declines
- PlantMarch and April94% of varieties
Plant corms 3 inches deep in spring after danger of hard frost
- Spring CleanupFebruary76% of varieties
Cut back dead foliage to the ground before new growth appears
- Winter PrepOctober and November71% of varieties
Leave foliage until it dies back naturally after a hard frost
Do
- Water consistently during the growing season 🌱
- Water regularly during active growth 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer
- Divide clumps every few years
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rot ❌
- Refrain from cutting back foliage until it yellows naturally
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
What goes wrong with Crocosmia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted leaves and sticky residue | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Increase humidity and spray with miticide |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply miticide |
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and flower damage | Use organic slug bait or handpick during damp evenings |
| Botrytis (Gray Mold) | Gray fuzzy mold on flowers and leaves | Improve air circulation and remove affected parts |
| Botrytis (gray mold) | Gray fuzzy mold on flowers and leaves | Improve air circulation and remove affected plant parts |
| Bulb rot | Soft, decayed bulbs | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
Making more Crocosmia
Corm division
- Wait until the plant is dormant in fall or early spring
- Carefully dig up the clump and gently separate offsets
- Replant divisions 4 inches deep in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly and mulch around new plants
Seed sowing
- Collect seeds after flowering has finished.
- Sow seeds in well-draining seed-starting mix in spring.
- Lightly cover with soil and keep moist.
- Maintain temperatures around 65-70°F for germination.
- Transplant seedlings once established.
Crocosmia questions
How many types of Crocosmia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 17 distinct Crocosmia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 421 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Crocosmia grow in?
Across its varieties, Crocosmia covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Crocosmia bloom?
Most Crocosmia varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer, mid to late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Crocosmia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.