Information on Fire King Crocosmia

Fire King Crocosmia has brilliant red flowers from early to mid-summer. It is a variety developed from native croscosmias of South Africa. Crocosmias are also known as Montbretias.

Description

Fire King Crocosmia has dark green, lance-shaped leaves about 2 feet tall. The tubular flowers change from orange to bright red. A single plant may have 8 to 10 stems that produce dozens of flowers. The weight of the flowers often causes the stems to droop, so the plant may need staking.

Culture

Fire King Crocosmias grow from bulb-like corms. They should be planted 5 inches deep, 4 to 6 inches apart, in full sun to light shade in moist soil. They grow in Zones 4 to 9, but may need to lifted and stored in northern parts of the United States.

Uses

Fire King Crocosmias can be planted in perennial beds or in masses. They can also be grown in containers.

Advantages

Fire King Crocosmias have a long bloom period--as long as four weeks, and cut flowers are long-lasting as well. Dried flowers smell like saffron and can be used in potpourri.

Disadvantages

Fire King Crocosmias are spread by underground stolons that form new corms. They may be invasive, especially in mild damp areas.

Care For Crocosmia

Grow crocosmia in a bed that receives about six hours of sunlight daily, although the plant can tolerate some afternoon shade. Select an area with rich, but well-drained soil. Crocosmia only requires water when it's in active growth. Cover the soil with a 2-inch mulch layer to help retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth. Trim off the old flowers after they wilt, removing the stem near its base. Cut back the foliage to the ground only after it dies back naturally at the end of the growing season. Dig up the crocosmia corms each spring before growth resumes. Break off the old withered bottom section of the corm and dispose of it.