Montbretia (Crocosmia pottsii) is a cormous perennial from South African grasslands that brings vibrant summer color to gardens with its deep orange flowers held on wiry, arching stems. Growing 24 to 36 inches tall and spreading 12 to 24 inches wide, this species thrives in zones 5 through 9 and blooms reliably from June through September. The erect, sword-shaped foliage resembles gladiolus or iris, creating elegant texture even before the flowers emerge. Its tubular, sometimes red-flushed blooms appear on branched scapes above the foliage, making it as striking in the garden as it is in a vase. Once established, montbretia tolerates drought and handles both deer and rabbit browsing, so it rewards you with minimal fuss.
Partial Sun
Moderate
5-9
36in H x 24in W
—
High
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Deep orange flowers tinged with red emerge in mid to late summer on gracefully arching, branched stems that rise above medium green, sword-shaped leaves. This plant is prized for fresh flower arrangements where its blooms last beautifully in the vase, and it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the season. Because the species form is rarely available in commerce compared to its hybrid cousins, growing Crocosmia pottsii connects you to the original genetics from which many popular montbretia cultivars were bred.
Montbretia shines as a fresh cut flower and is frequently used in commercial flower arrangements for its long vase life and striking color. In the garden, it serves as a mid-to-back border plant where its arching flower stems and upright foliage create layered texture and movement. Its ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies makes it valuable in pollinator gardens.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Plant corms outdoors in spring after the last frost date, spacing them 6 inches apart and 3 to 4 inches deep in well-drained soil.
Plant corms directly outdoors in spring after the last frost date.
Cut montbretia flowers for arrangements once they open on the stem, selecting spikes with several blooms already visible and others still in bud for long-lasting bouquets. Cut early in the morning when stems are fully hydrated, and place immediately in water.
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“Crocosmia pottsii is native to moist grasslands and stream banks in South Africa, specifically the Natal and Transvaal regions. The genus Crocosmia takes its name from Greek words krokos, meaning saffron, and osme, meaning smell, referencing the fragrance released when dried flowers are steeped in warm water. Though C. pottsii itself is not commonly found in commerce today, it holds botanical significance as one of the parent species in Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora, the interspecific hybrid created by crossing C. pottsii with C. aurea. This hybrid went on to become the foundation for countless ornamental montbretia cultivars now beloved by gardeners worldwide, making the species an unsung ancestor to some of the most brilliant garden plants in the Iridaceae family.”