montbretia
Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie'
Overview
Montbretia (Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie') is an amazing plant species that is perfect for summer gardens. It has clumps of bold, bright orange flowers with yellow eyes, blooming from July to September. This long-blooming perennial can reach a height of 75 cm and its sword-shaped leaves make it a striking ornamental addition to any garden. Deer often avoid it due to its bitter taste. Montbretia also grows well in sun or partial shade and requires minimal maintenance, so it's an excellent choice for a low-maintenance garden. The bright blooms are perfect for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, and this hardy plant is very easy to propagate, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who want to create a beautiful summer display.
Care Guide
Watering
Montbretia (Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie') should be watered deeply and regularly during the warmer months of spring and summer. Water should be applied to the soil so that it is moist, but not soggy. In the winter months, watering should be reduced slightly as the plant is semi-dormant during these months. As a rule of thumb, your montbretia should receive at least a few inches of water per week throughout the growing season. It is best to water early in the day, allowing any excess water to evaporate and giving the leaves and flowers time to dry out before nightfall.
Light
Montbretia (Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie') enjoys full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. The best time of day for sunlight is between mid-morning and mid-afternoon for this plant species, when the sun is direct but not too hot. For optimal health, montbretia should avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, which is typically after 3PM. Montbretia also thrive in partial sunlight of 4 to 6 hours per day, so long as those hours take place in the mid-morning to mid-afternoon window.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 5–9.
Pruning
Montbretia (Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie') should be pruned lightly in early spring. Cut back any dead or diseased foliage to tidy up the plant. You may also want to trim off any foliage that is blocking walkways and interfering with foot traffic. To promote maximum blooming, lightly prune the foliage back by 1-third right before the blooming season in late summer. Be sure to deadhead any faded or dead flowers to encourage additional blooming.
Propagation
Division, Seed Propagation, Cutting, Layering Propagation
Guides that mention montbretia
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