Crocosmia Lucifer
Crocosmia Lucifer
It is a decorative border plant with erect, pleated, blade-like leaves that makes a wonderful background for its showy wands of intense red and tubular flowers that are attractive to several pollinators including hummingbirds. Also, it blooms in late summer for 5 to 8 weeks bringing a burst of colour when other perennials are starting to die and fade. It is a small shrub that grows 2 – 4 feet in length and has a smaller spread of 1 – 2 feet.
Growing and Caring For Crocosmia Lucifer
It is a fast-growing plant that is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. It is most commonly propagated by planting the corms that are produced or by division.
Where can I buy Crocosmia Lucifer in the UK?
How to grow crocosmia lucifer
What kind of soil does Crocosmia lucifer need?
It grows easily in moderately fertile and organically rich moist soil. Chalk, clay, sand, and loamy soil that are well-draining are good options.
How much light does Crocosmia lucifer need?
It thrives when exposed to the full sun and can tolerate partial shade in a south or east-facing position.
How much water does Crocosmia lucifer need?
It should be watered to keep the topsoil consistently moist but not soggy. Its water needs increases in extreme heat and watering should be reduced in winter too.
Does Crocosmia lucifer need pruning?
Pruning is not necessary except when the leaves start to wither. Simply cut the plant to almost ground level and prepare for new growth in the next growing season.
Does Crocosmia lucifer need fertiliser?
Regularly fertilise your Crocosmia Lucifer plants with a balanced 10:10:10 fertiliser.
Pests and diseases: It is not prone to pests and diseases but keeps an eye out for red spider mites. It is deer and rabbit resistant.
Temperature and Humidity: Crocosmia Lucifer is a hardy species that can withstand high temperatures and humidity and also low temperatures.
Species of crocosmia lucifer
Other species of crocosmia include Crocosmia aurea, Crocosmia masoniorum, Crocosmia paniculata.
Propagation Methods
If propagation is to be done by division, the division of the clumps should be done between March and May to prepare for planting in early spring. Crocosmia should be done in early spring when all signs of cold and frost are gone.
If you live in a colder climate zone where winter persists, then delay planting till mid to late spring to ensure the temperature levels are favourable for planting.