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Iridaceae
Crocosmia
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora
Passion, energy, joy.
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Genus
- Crocosmia
- Native to
- Southern and eastern Africa
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- Cormous perennial
- Height
- 60–120 cm
- Sunlight
- Full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, moisture-retentive
- Water
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- 5–9
- Lifespan
- Long-lived perennial; corms multiply
Did you know
- The genus name comes from the Greek krokos (saffron) and osme (smell) — dried flowers give off a saffron-like scent when steeped in water.
- The cultivar 'Lucifer' is one of the most popular perennials in modern gardens, with arching sprays of fiery red flowers that hummingbirds adore.
- It was bred in France in the 1880s by crossing two South African species, creating the showy hybrids we grow today.
- Crocosmia is closely related to gladiolus, freesia, and iris — all members of the iris family.
- In some cool-climate regions like Ireland, it has naturalized so thoroughly that hedgerows blaze orange every August.
Color meanings
Red
Bold confidence
Orange
Vitality and warmth