Crocosmia (Montbretia)

Extremely showy and exotic-looking, Crocosmia produce decorative clumps of erect sword-shaped leaves and brilliant wands of fiery scarlet, red, orange, and yellow tubular flowers which bloom for 5-8 weeks from mid-summer through mid-fall. Magnets for hummingbirds and butterflies, the vibrant blossoms give way to seedpods that persist into fall and attract hungry birds.

• Crocosmia is a genus in the Iridaceae family from tropical and eastern South Africa, which includes 8 species of crocosmia plants as well as many hybrids. 
• Crocosmia are great perennials for the late-season garden as they provide 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. 
• Crocosmia grow up to 1-5 ft. tall (30-150 cm) and begin to produce their lovely blossoms in the summer.  
• Crocosmia make excellent border plants, providing color and contrast to the perennial border. They look 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). They should be planted in clumps of 12 or more.
• Crocosmia may be grown in containers – make sure you select a large pot with drainage holes.
• Crocosmia are wonderful cut flowers and will last up to 2 weeks in a vase. 
• Crocosmia are easily grown in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained. They thrive in full sun or partial shade where they will multiply rapidly and readily. 
• Tolerant of summer heat and humidity, Crocosmia are also drought tolerant (once established), salt tolerant, and deer and rabbit resistant. 
• Plant crocosmia bulbs (more exactly "corms") in spring. It is recommended to dig up the corms in late fall in hardiness zones 5 & 6 and store them over the winter until the next spring. In other cold areas, add a generous amount of mulch, to protect your plants from freezing.
• Propagate by division or by corm offsets.
• Crocosmias should only be divided every 3-4 years in late fall.