Crocosmia masoniorum

Robust, Crocosmia masoniorum is a very attractive and elegant species with brilliant, upward-facing, flaming orange blossoms sitting atop arching stems and blooming from midsummer to early fall. The buds open slowly from the base to the tip of clusters, and the old flowers drop 'cleanly' from the stems. Coupled with its clumps of erect sword-shaped leaves, this ensemble makes a stunning show in the garden! Extremely showy, this South African native is a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies.

• Won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Great perennial for the late season garden as it provides weeks of vibrant colors when many other perennials are starting to fade.
• Resembling the foliage of sword-lilies, Crocosmia's narrow, bladed leaves also provide interesting vertical accents in the borders.
• Grows up to 4-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm) with a spread of 12-18 in. (30-45 cm) and begins to produce its lovely blossoms in the summer.
• Excellent border plant providing color and contrast to the perennial border. It looks spectacular in front of green conifers, among dark leaved dahlias and cannas or next to blue-flowering plants such as Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile), Aconitum (Monkshood) or Echinops (Globe Thistle). Should be planted in clumps of 12 or more.
• Makes wonderful cut flowers and will last up to 2 weeks in a vase.
• Easily grown in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained. Thrives in full sun or partial shade where it will multiply rapidly and readily.
• Tolerant of summer heat and humidity, it is also drought tolerant (once established), salt tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant.