perennial

Falling Stars

Q: What zones can Falling Stars grow in?

Falling Stars is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Q: Is Falling Stars deer resistant?

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

Q: When does Falling Stars bloom?

Falling Stars typically blooms in summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Q: Does Falling Stars need full sun?

Falling Stars does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Q: Is Falling Stars drought tolerant?

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

Crocosmia aurea

$14.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Crocosmia aurea is a deciduous, cormous perennial native to southern and eastern Africa, forming dense clumps from underground corms and long stolons. It features an upright, architectural habit with vertical fans of sword-shaped, soft green leaves that die back completely in winter.

The species produces branched, drooping, one-sided spikes of luminous orange to golden-red, star-to-funnel-shaped flowers that measure approximately 40 millimeters across. These nectar-rich blooms open from summer through early fall, attracting hummingbirds and insect pollinators.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking architectural structure with its vertical fans of sword-shaped foliage and drooping spikes of luminous orange flowers.

Offers excellent deer and rabbit resistance, making it suitable for open or woodland-edge gardens.

Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies with its nectar-rich, tubular blooms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

39"

Width

30"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southern and eastern Africa

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

In flower about 6 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Dancing Oaks

<1 Gal Pot

In Stock$14.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, humus-rich, well-drained sandy or loamy soil.
Plant dormant corms in spring at a depth of three to four inches (eight to ten centimeters) to protect them from winter rot.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system.
Apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer or compost top-dressing in early spring as new shoots emerge.

Pro Tip

Plant the corms three to four inches deep in well-drained soil; shallow planting or heavy, waterlogged clay causes winter corm rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut dead foliage back to ground level in late winter after it has completely browned.
Provide afternoon shade in regions with exceptionally hot summer climates.
Mulch heavily in USDA Zone 6 to protect dormant corms from prolonged deep freezes.

Don't

Do not plant corms in heavy, poorly drained clay soils where winter waterlogging will cause rot.
Do not prune or cut into living green foliage during the active growing season.
Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers that stimulate excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Do not divide the clumps too frequently, as flowering is most prolific when plants are left undisturbed for several years.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Architectural bordersCottage gardensMass plantingsRain-adjacent gardensCutting gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia Kniphofia Agapanthus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Falling Stars questions

What zones can Falling Stars grow in?

Falling Stars is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Falling Stars deer resistant?

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

When does Falling Stars bloom?

Falling Stars typically blooms in summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Falling Stars need full sun?

Falling Stars does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Falling Stars drought tolerant?

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