Planting Crocosmias

When to plant crocosmias?

Plant your crocosmias preferably in spring, in April or May, after the last frosts. This allows the bulbs to establish their roots well before the arrival of the summer heat.

If you live in a region with a milder climate, you can also try planting in autumn, between September and November. This gives them time to establish before winter, for an even more vigorous flowering the following summer.

Where to plant them?

Crocosmias are sun-loving bulbous plants, plant them in a warm, bright location facing south. It is best to plant them in groups of at least 10 bulbs for a more successful effect.

They require a very draining soil, stony or sandy… they do not like excess moisture! However, they appreciate soils that remain cool in summer. They prefer neutral or slightly acidic soils. If your soil is heavy or clayey, do not hesitate to lighten it by adding compost and/or gravel. They also prefer a soil that is relatively rich in organic matter, so a bit of compost can be beneficial.

It is also possible to plant them in large pots, draining the bottom with gravel or clay balls, and choosing a light substrate.

Attention! In areas with harsh winters, it is best to plant them in a sheltered spot from the wind and to mulch well as winter approaches to protect the bulbs from frost.

Alexandra’s good advice: Make sure to leave a bit of space between the bulbs (about 10-15 cm), as crocosmias multiply quickly and can spread over the years if they thrive in your garden.

How to plant them?

Crocosmias develop from corms, reserve organs that resemble bulbs and are planted in the same way.

• Work the soil well at the time of planting using a small shovel, a dibber, or a rake.
• If necessary, incorporate compost at planting or gravel and light soil.
• Plant the corms 5 to 8 cm underground, spaced about fifteen centimetres apart, placing them the right way up, with the tip facing upwards. You can plant them a little deeper if you live in a cold region.
• Add a fertiliser at the time of planting.
• You can then cover them with soil, firm down, and water generously.

Continue to water them in the following weeks. While they prefer well-drained soil in winter, crocosmias need water during their growing season. Apply fertiliser each spring.

After flowering: maintenance to be carried out

• Prune faded flowers: cut the faded flower stems to encourage the plant to channel its energy into the bulbs and prevent it from producing seeds.
• Cleaning the foliage: wait for the foliage to yellow naturally before cutting it. This process allows the bulbs to store nutrients for the next season.