The characteristic differences of the crocosmia plant, the rules for growing in the garden, how to properly reproduce, difficulties in gardening, notes for florists, species and varieties.
Crocosmia (Crocosmia) belongs to the botanical classification of the Iris family (Iridaceae), which bears another name - Iris. The natural area of its distribution in natural conditions belongs to the southern territories of the African continent. As a cultivated plant, this representative of the flora began to grow only from the middle of the 19th century.
| Family name | Iris or Iris |
| Natural growth cycle | Perennial |
| Growth form | Herbaceous |
| Breeding method | Seed, corms and babies |
| Time to transplant to a flower bed | Mid-May to early June |
| Landing rules | Adult bulbs are placed 7-10 cm apart, between children only 3-5 cm |
| Priming | Lightweight and nutritious |
| Indicators of soil acidity, pH | Neutral (6, 5-7) |
| Lighting level | Sunny location without shading |
| Recommended humidity | Watering is plentiful, but not frequent; in a rainy summer, they stop |
| Special Requirements | Does not tolerate stagnant moisture in the soil |
| Height values | 0.4-1 m |
| Inflorescences or type of flowers | Dense panicle inflorescences |
| Flower color | Snow white, red, yellow or orange |
| Flowering period | July to late September |
| Decorative time | Spring-autumn |
| Application in landscape design | Group planting, use in cutting, decoration of flower beds |
| USDA zone | With shelter up to zone 4, hybrid varieties only 7–8 |
The plant got its scientific name due to the combination of two words in Greek "krokos" and "osme", which means, respectively, "crocus" or "saffron" and "smell". The phrase is transformed into "saffron scent". All because of what has long been noticed by people: when crocosmia flowers dry up, their aroma begins to resemble saffron. But in some sources you can find the old name - Montbretia, which was given to this representative of the flora in honor of the botanist from France Antoine François Ernest Cockbert de Montbret (1780-1801), who studies the vegetation of Egypt. Sometimes people can hear such names as tritonia or Japanese gladiolus.
All representatives of the crocosmia genus have a long life cycle and a herbaceous form of growth. The height of the stems varies in the range of 0.4–1 m. The root system is characterized by corms, which tend to grow, taking the shape of large clusters. The surface of each such corms is covered with several layers composed of reticular membranes. The stem is characterized by forking and is surrounded by foliage gathering in a fan-shaped rosette. The leaf plates have either xiphoid or linear outlines. The color of the leaves is rich bright green. In length, they can vary within 40-60 cm. Along the central vein, the leaf has a characteristic fold, or its entire surface may have corrugation.
When flowering on a flexible and thin stem, dense paniculate inflorescences begin to form, which originate in the branches. The height of the peduncle can be almost a meter. Flowers begin to open in mid-summer, and this process can continue until the first days of October. The outlines of each flower, when fully expanded, resemble a regular and symmetrical five-pointed star, the diameter of which ranges from 3 cm to 5 cm. The petals in the flowers are shaded quite richly and can take on a snow-white, red, yellow or orange tone. From the corolla, the stamens, collected in a bunch, have a bright yellow color scheme.
It is curious that the buds in the inflorescence bloom in a wave-like manner, starting from its bottom to the top and edges. It often happens that flowers delight the eye even before the first frost, becoming a real decoration of the garden. If the cultivation takes place in the southern regions, then the seeds of the crocosmia can ripen, which fill the seed pods. The fruits are small and rounded. Their color is orange.
Tips for growing montbrecia - planting and grooming outdoors
- Landing place Japanese gladioli should be well lit. In addition, the possibility of blocking the substrate must be excluded. Wind protection is essential, as tall stalks can break off easily. Drafts will negatively affect crocosmic care.
- Priming for Japanese gladioli, it is light and nutritious. If it is too heavy, then river sand is mixed into it to loosen it. The acidity of the soil needs neutral, approximately pH 6, 5–7.
- Crocosmia planting. When the soil in the spring warms up to 6-10 degrees, you can plant Japanese gladioli corms. The depth of the grazing of adult bulbs will be 7–10 cm, but the children are immersed in the substrate by 3–5 cm. They try to leave about 10–15 cm between the plants. To protect future montbrecs, it is recommended to pickle the bulbs before planting. To do this, you can use both a weak solution of potassium permanganate and special preparations. The soaking time is 1-3 hours.
- Crocosmia watering carried out abundantly, but not very often, so that the soil does not become waterlogged, which will entail rotting of the bulbs. If the summer months are particularly rainy, then watering is greatly reduced or stopped altogether.
- Fertilizers for crocosmia it is recommended to apply throughout the growing season. From the very beginning, it is necessary to use nitrogen-containing preparations that will help accelerate plant growth and build up green mass. In the summer, the best option would be to use organic matter (for example, a solution of mullein in a ratio of 1:10) and mineral dressings containing potassium. This will stimulate the flowering process.
- General recommendations for care. It is required, after watering or precipitation, to loosen the soil next to the bushes of montbrecia. Regularly weed weeds, which can drown out bushes and serve as breeding grounds for harmful insects. As the flowering stems are pulled out, it is necessary to provide pegs next to the plant, to which the stems should be tied with a soft rope, in order to avoid their breakage. When the flowering comes to an end, and the flowers dry out en masse, then you need to cut the flowering stems, as this will be the key to sufficient maturation of the corms. Then they will be able to successfully endure both wintering in the open field and survive when they are dug up for the winter.
- Crocosmia wintering. If the cultivation of Japanese gladioli is carried out in winter regions, it will be better to dig up the corms after the flowering is over. This operation is recommended to be carried out no earlier than the third decade of October. It is until this time that the corms are actively growing children, which will then serve as material for reproduction. After the bulbs are removed from the soil, they are thoroughly dried in a well ventilated and shaded area. The storage of such planting material should take place in a room where the temperature indicators will not exceed 10 degrees Celsius, then the drying of the corms will never happen. When cultivating crocosmia in regions with warm and mild winters, they can be left for wintering in the open field, since the bulbs are not afraid of lowering the thermometer to 30 frost. There is an opinion of flower growers that the corms of Japanese gladioli are preserved in the soil better than in the basement. But in this case, it is recommended to sprinkle the montbrecia plantings with a layer of dried foliage. Such a layer should be at least 20 cm. From above it is necessary to cover everything with non-woven material (for example, spunbond) or film. With the arrival of spring heat, when there will be no return frosts, it is recommended to immediately remove such a shelter so that the bulbs do not vomit. Normal wintering of Japanese gladiolus bulbs is possible only if the substrate is dry. When the planting site is low, soil flooding may occur due to the melting of the snow cover, it is better to dig out the corms so as not to risk future plants.
- The use of crocosmia in landscape design. To enjoy the bloom of the montbrecia to its fullest, it is best to plant it in flower beds that are open from all sides for inspection. Groups can be formed in both large and small sizes using in all types of flower beds. Tritonia will look good next to other decorative flowering plants. Daylilies and cannes, salvia and echinacea, as well as the planting of rudebecs are considered excellent neighbors. You can place kniffiophia and geleniums, bright chrysanthemums and dahlias next to them on a flower bed. Even simple yarrow and sedum are perfectly comparable to crocosmies. Florists use Japanese gladiolus for bouquets, as cut flowers will stay fresh for two weeks.
See also the rules for growing freesia in the garden.
How to properly reproduce crocosmia?
To get new plantings of Japanese gladiolus, you can sow seed or plant corms and babies.
- Seed propagation of crocosmia. If the cultivation is carried out in the southern regions, then there is the likelihood of obtaining seed, since the seed pods must ripen. Large seeds are characterized by a reddish-brown hue and are sown in late winter or early March. The seedling container is filled with peat-sandy soil or a soil mixture composed of river sand, humus from foliage, sod soil and peat chips is used. Before sowing, you need to soak the seeds for 24 hours in warm water to swell. The water must be changed four times. Seeds are buried in the substrate shallowly (only 3-5 mm) and the container is placed on a window with good lighting or in a greenhouse environment. The container should be covered with plastic wrap or a piece of glass should be placed on top - this will help keep a warm and humid environment for germination for a longer time. After 7-14 days, you can see the first shoots and then it is recommended to remove the shelter. As the crocosmia seedlings grow, they are transplanted into small pots with the same substrate. It is recommended to transplant seedlings into open ground after the second decade of May. Blooming of such montbrecia can be expected only after 2-3 years from the moment of sowing the seeds. While onion babies will give a plant that blooms in the second year of life.
- Reproduction of crocosmia by children. If the cultivation of Japanese gladioli is carried out in the middle lane, then planting corms in a flower bed can be done from the end of April or in the first week of May. At the same time, the bulbs of ordinary gladioli are usually planted. The material intended for planting, before that, should be transferred to a living room, and kept a little at room temperature - 20-24 degrees. After that, the baby bulbs are separated, which need to be soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate) for several hours. The color of the solution should be light pink, otherwise you can simply burn the bulbs. The planting of children is carried out in a flowerbed with a depth of 4-5 cm. The corms themselves are immersed in the ground by 7-10 cm, while the distance between them is kept about 10-15 m. at home, having landed in pots.
- Reproduction of crocosmia by corms. This breeding method is the simplest. Annually, about three pairs of children can be formed on the rhizome of the Japanese gladiolus. At the same time, the mother bulb does not lose its vitality. When the foliage of the montbrecia dries up completely in the autumn, it is recommended to remove the tubers from the soil and keep it warm until spring (at 10 degrees). Before a new planting, a large curtain is divided into several parts. Planting corms in a permanent place in the garden should not take place one by one.
Read more about breeding acidants.
Difficulties in garden crocosmia cultivation
Although the plant differs in natural conditions by its moisture-loving nature, but on too wet soil it can suffer from root rot provoked by fungal diseases. If symptoms of wilting of the montbrecia are noticed, then it is recommended to transplant the bush with the selection of a more acceptable growing place. But first, you should remove all spoiled parts and perform treatment with fungicidal preparations (for example, Fundazol).
The next disease that occurs when caring for crocosmia is fusarium. In this case, the foliage at the tops begins to dry out and gradually wither. The bulbs of the Japanese gladiolus then become soft to the touch, and their color darkens, stripes can be seen on the surface. The treatment of such plants is difficult and the best solution would be to isolate the diseased bushes and then dispose of them (you can burn them). The soil is treated with fungicides or potassium permanganate spread.
Crocosmia can be affected by the so-called "jaundice" or grassiness, in which the bulbs acquire a yellow tint and their density increases. They become the source of the development of a large number of shoots with refined yellow leaves. If the disease is noticed at an early stage, then it can be overcome by warming the corms at a temperature of 45 degrees.
Among the harmful insects that cause damage to the Japanese gladiolus, there are: thrips and a bear. A radical solution would be to pickle the soil before planting the bulbs, and the planting material itself. If thrips are seen, symptoms of which become yellow foliage and a sticky coating on it, then treatment with insecticidal preparations such as Aktara, Actellik or Fitoverm is recommended.
Read also about diseases and pests of babiana when grown in a pot and open field
Notes for growers about the crocosmia flower
Antoine François Ernest Cockbert de Montbret is a botanist who was born in Hamburg in 1780 on January 31st, although he is considered a French scientist everywhere, who has been studying the flora of not only Rosetta, but also Cairo, Suez and Upper Egypt for a long time. Since he died in Cairo from the plague in 1801 at the age of only 20 years of age, his name as a distinguished figure was engraved on the temple of Isis, located in Philae. There are also names of other prominent scientists. Most of his papers have not survived and have not yet been discovered. Montbret's research has also been linked to other African plants.
The most popular crocosmia garden. This plant owes its appearance to the work of the French breeder Victor Lemoine (1823-1911), who was engaged in the breeding of decorative and flowering representatives of the flora. The varieties of lilac developed by him are especially famous. Here the botanist crossed in the 80s of the XIX century a variety of golden crocosmia and Potts crocosmia, having received a wonderful and hardy hybrid.
Types and varieties of crocosmia
Crocosmia golden (Crocosmia area) -
owner of stems reaching 0.5–0.8 m in height. At their base there is a leaf rosette having the shape of a fan. Leaves with a xiphoid shape are painted in a bright green color. The buds begin to bloom in July. The color of the petals in flowers is a rich yellowish-orange or red-orange hue. Flowers have a star-funnel-shaped corolla. The inflorescence, formed by the buds, looks like a small spikelet. Natural distribution falls on the lands of South Africa, European growers began to grow this species only in the middle of the 19th century.
Crocosmia pottsii
found in nature in the south of the African continent in marshy areas, it is recommended for growing in wet gardens in sunny locations or in partial shade. Its leaf plates have a narrower shape and a smoother surface. The inflorescence is composed of a large number of small flowers of orange color. The most popular variety is Culzean Pink with its peduncles stretches up to a meter in height, the color of the flowers is unusual - pastel with a pinkish tint.
Crocosmia Massoniorum (Crocosmia masoniorum)
This species is the most resistant to frost. The rosette is made up of sheet plates with a ribbed surface. The color of the leaves is bright green. The flowering stem is drooping, it is crowned with an inflorescence of a large number of small flowers, located very densely. The petals are cast in a yellowish-orange tint.
Crocosmia paniculata
It is represented by a tall plant, the height of which reaches 1.5 m. Early flowering, in June. Small-sized orange flowers are formed in inflorescences, and at the same time they attract by decorativeness and fruits, which are represented by seed pods.
Crocosmia hybrid "Crocosmiflora" (Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora)
- this type of montebrecia is most common in garden cultivation. Its most attractive varieties are recognized:
- Lucifer reaching in height with stems one and a half meters, the peduncles grow vertically straight, at their top an inflorescence of flowers with bright red or tomato buds is formed. Although winter hardiness is high, shelter is required for the winter.
- Emily McKenzie (Emily McKenzie). The variety is particularly decorative. The height of the peduncles reaches 0.6 m. During late flowering, an inflorescence with orange-brown flowers is formed on the peduncle. In the central part there are bright spots of orange color. The shape of the flowers is symmetrical.
- Norwich Canary not exceeding 0.6 m. With inflorescences composed of drooping flowers, saturated canary yellow.
- Star of the East one of the most beautiful varietal varieties, with large flowers. It blooms later, the height of the peduncles is 1 m. In the inflorescence, star-shaped flowers are collected, with petals of apricot-orange color, having a lighter shade at the base of the petals. The diameter of the flower at full disclosure reaches 10 cm. Despite the frost resistance, a shelter is recommended for the winter period.
- Tangerine Queen does not exceed the height of 1, 2 m. The inflorescence is formed with bright orange flowers of large size.
- Citronella - the owner of flexible inflorescences that make up flowers with lemon yellow petals.
- Red King can delight the eye with very bright flowers, with bright red petals, with a characteristic spot in the central part of the orange color.
- George Davison, the height of the stems of which is 0, 6–0, 7 cm, the inflorescences are amber.
- Solvator (Solfatare), in which the stem does not exceed 0.6 m, the rosette is made up of narrowed erect leaf plates decorated with a bronze edge. Flowers with apricot-colored petals.
- Walberton Red in height reaching 60 cm with inflorescences of bright red color.
- Golden Fleece does not grow more than 60 cm, the flowering process is short, falling in August. The inflorescence contains flowers of a lemon-yellow hue. Preferred for planting penumbra.
- Babylon the height of the stems is also about 60 cm, the inflorescence of drooping flowers with bright orange petals.
- Flamethrower or Spitfire characterized by August bloom, which lasts until the end of September. The height of the peduncles is 60 cm, the inflorescences are of a rich fiery red color.
See also what types of rump are.
Video about growing crocosmia in the garden:
