I always fall in love with Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ far before it has started to flower. I just adore those flower spikes which look like rib cages, and then when the flowers burst into flame, I’m smitten until mid-September, when the display ends.
This Crocosmia cultivar is much taller than the little orange species, with long reed-like leaves and tall, arching stems. The flowers are huge and showy and bright as a button. I grow these plants in my vegetable patch, surrounded by cheese-coloured squash flowers and bright red tomatoes.
They are particularly grateful for the rich soil and the extra attention that I pay the patch: Crocosmia likes a moist soil, so it early laps up the extra water that comes its way while I’m keeping my lettuces and squashes well-watered.
Vital stats
Location:
Moist, well-draining soil
Light:
Full sun, although tolerates some shade
When to plant:
Plant bulbs in March
What can I expect from this plant?
Height: 1 metre
Spread: 60cm
Flowers: July
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Dear Admin, like yourself I admire the crocosmia when it sends up its flower stems that resemble the head of a striking snake and that lights up the summer beds so dramatically but I also leave the faded flowerheads on well into the winter, they have their own particular charm…
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Crocosmia Lucifer are great and I love them in my garden, they look great in borders or beds and if your thinking of planting them just make sure you do so in well-drained soil in a sunny open position. I also think Crocosmia Lucifer won a garden merit RHS award.