perennial RHS Award

Emily McKenzie Crocosmia Montbretia

Crocosmia x hybrida 'Emily Mckenzie'

$13.50

The Story

Plant Bio

A vibrant, clump-forming perennial with arching leaves and bright orange flowers that bloom in mid-summer.

Notable for its unique bi-colored orange and red flowers and ability to thrive in various soil types.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesCrocosmia Emily Mckenzie offers vibrant orange spikes that add striking vertical color to sunny borders and perennial beds, creating a lively garden focal point.
Practical UsesIts relatively low maintenance and drought tolerance make it suitable for sustainable gardens, reducing water and care needs.
Ecological BenefitsProvides nectar for hummingbirds and pollinators, supporting local biodiversity.
SpeciesCrocosmia x hybridaMontbretia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southern Africa

Toxicity

Non-toxic to pets and humans

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Dancing Oaks
Ships Year Round
<1 Gal Pot
In Stock$13.50

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck bulbs 4-6 inches deep in well-draining soil in early spring.
  2. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around bulbs.
  3. Mist cuttings or divide clumps every 3-4 years for healthy growth.
  4. Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms during summer.
  5. Mulch around plants in fall to protect from cold temperatures.
  6. Transplant in early spring or fall when dormant for best results.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun with well-draining soil for vibrant, prolific blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during active growth 🌱
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
  • Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
  • Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
  • Don't plant in heavy, poorly-drained clay soil
  • Refrain from cutting back foliage until it yellows naturally
  • Avoid disturbing bulbs during peak flowering

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Plant
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful border with vibrant flower spikesSunny perennial bed with vertical interestWildflower meadow accent with tall, striking blooms

Companion Plants

Lavender EchinaceaRudbeckiaSalviaOrnamental grasses

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Emily McKenzie Crocosmia Montbretia questions

What zones can Emily McKenzie Crocosmia Montbretia grow in?

Emily McKenzie Crocosmia Montbretia is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Emily McKenzie Crocosmia Montbretia deer resistant?

Yes — Emily McKenzie Crocosmia Montbretia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Emily McKenzie Crocosmia Montbretia bloom?

Emily McKenzie Crocosmia Montbretia typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Emily McKenzie Crocosmia Montbretia need full sun?

Emily McKenzie Crocosmia Montbretia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Emily McKenzie Crocosmia Montbretia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Emily McKenzie Crocosmia Montbretia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Emily McKenzie Crocosmia Montbretia with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.