Crocosmia 'LUCIFER' monbretia
size/type
mid-sized perennial,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,8-1m
usual width
0,5-1m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
July-August
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
5b (down to -27°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Montbretia is a gorgeous perennial of exotic appearance from southern and eastern parts of Africa. In spite of its origin it proved hardy in temperate regions of the world and many varieties can withstand USDA zone 6 winters with occasional swings a few degrees lower. There are over 300 varieties listed and their number keeps on increasing. One wonders how yellow, orange, and red and their combinations can still bring something new.
Description of the plant:
Lucifer is a fascinating montbretia for several reasons. First because it was bred already in mid 20th century and is still one of the top sellers today, and second – its flowers are the richest fiery red available. They are funnel-shaped, wide-open, and appear from mid July for at least a month on slightly arching stems about one meter tall. It makes large clumps of medium green, sword-like leaves which confirm plant's affiliation with iris family. The exotic feeling is highlighted by the way the flowers are formed in almost horizontal inflorescence and open upwards like flowers of strelitzia.Montbretia does best in fertile, moist but well drained soil of any pH, preferably in full sun. Winter mulch is not necessary but may help newly transplanted plants to survive the first winter before the corms grow deeper to the soil. Hardy to min. -27 °C (USDA zone 5b)
Last update 13-08-2017; 21-02-2022
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GLOSSARY
- STANDARD QUALITY - Plants of this group are 1st class quality with number of branches and overall density adequate to their size and age, considering they were container grown.
- DE LUXE QUALITY - This label guarantees a luxurious quality of manually selected plants that, compared to their height and age, are exceptionally dense and beautiful.
- EXTRA - These plants are usually mature and bigger specimens with exceptional overall appearance.
- STANDARD (as described in the plant form) means a tree with a trunk of 190-210 cm and a crown at the top, unless specified differently. The commercial size for trees is their girth measured in the height of 1m from ground.
- HOBBY - These plants are of the same quality as our standard-quality plants but younger and therefore cheaper.
- SHRUB - a woody plant with branches growing bushy from the ground level.
- HALF-STANDARD or MINI-STANDARD - a small tree with shorter trunk, its size is usually specified.
- FEATHERED - These are trees with branches growing already from the base of the trunk and up along the stem.
- GRASSES and PERENNIALS - Sizes given usually read the diameter of the pot or the clump, as specified.
