With so many dynamic crocosmia varieties to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Indeed, crocosmias have undergone a dramatic transformation. Once known as montbretia, there were only a few breeds and they struggled to stand out from the crowd. Now, these vibrant border perennials have gained significant interest in color, size and planting options. Grown from crocus-like corms, wiry stems emerge in summer, carrying long sprays of starry or trumpet-shaped flowers. Each is a little like a lily flower, but held in elegant sprays.
Modern breeding has transformed the fortunes of this enduring bloom. While the original orange and yellow montbretia (Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora) had a reputation for being a nuisance as it spread, modern crocosmias are better behaved – and capable of more enticing and manageable displays. Positioned at backs of borders to complement other exotics, given center stage in fiery flower bed ideas, or allowed to grow as specimens in planters, there’s a crocosmia for every garden.
