Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora, commonly known as montbretia, is a perennial herb that is a garden hybrid first bred in France in 1880. It is not native to any specific region but has become naturalized in various parts of the world, including coastal grasslands and open woodlands. Montbretia typically grows to a height of 35 inches with long, sword-shaped leaves that are ribbed and up to 0.8 inches wide. It produces vibrant, deep orange flowers up to 2 inches long, which bloom in the summer and are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.

Montbretia is valued for its striking flower spikes that add a splash of color to borders and beds. It is also used for cut flowers due to the long-lasting blooms. In cultivation, montbretia thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil. It requires regular watering but is relatively low maintenance once established. While it is suitable for planting in USDA hardiness zones 5-9, gardeners should be cautious as Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora can be potentially invasive, especially in mild climates where it can spread rapidly and outcompete native flora.CC BY-SA 4.0