Crocosmia means "smells like saffron" - not surprising when you consider these brightly-colored flowers spring forth from bulbs in the same family as the saffron-bearing Crocus.
The most common hybrid, Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora was created in 1879 by Victor Lemoine, who went on to produce many other superior hybrids over the ensuing 30 years. In Britain, the 'George Davison' cultivar received the RHS Award of Merit 1902 and many others have been similarly honored.
A great mid- to late-summer bloomer, Crocosmias deserve more widespread use in modern gardens. Unfortunately, over three-quarters of the cultivars created before WWII have been lost and just over 200 remain in the national collection in Devon, England.
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds
Water Requirements: Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Spacing: 5-18 in.
Hardiness: 6a to 9b:
Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade
Bloom Time: Mid Summer
Foliage: Evergreen to Deciduous
Soil pH requirements: 6.1 (mildly acidic) to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Propagation Methods: By corms