Montbretia
(Crocosmia aurea)
Montbretia (Crocosmia aurea)
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Ettore Balocchi
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Ettore Balocchi
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CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Ettore Balocchi | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Ettore Balocchi | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Crocosmia aurea, commonly known as Montbretia, is a deciduous perennial bulb native to grasslands and open woodlands in Southern and Eastern Africa. It typically grows to an average height of 120 centimeters (47 inches). Montbretia features sword-shaped leaves and sprays of funnel-shaped flowers that bloom in vibrant shades of orange, red, or yellow during the summer months. The flowers are particularly showy and attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
Montbretia is valued for its striking flower display and is often used in borders, beds, and as cut flowers due to their long vase life. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it prefers well-drained soil with medium moisture. While it can be propagated by division, it’s important to control its spread as it can become invasive. In regions where it is not invasive, it can be a low-maintenance plant that adds a burst of color to the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0
Montbretia is valued for its striking flower display and is often used in borders, beds, and as cut flowers due to their long vase life. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it prefers well-drained soil with medium moisture. While it can be propagated by division, it’s important to control its spread as it can become invasive. In regions where it is not invasive, it can be a low-maintenance plant that adds a burst of color to the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 0.75-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Orange
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Grasslands and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Falling Stars, Valentine Flower, Reichblütige Gold-Montbretie
Scientific Names: , Crocosmia aurea, Tritonia aurea, Crocosmia aurea var. aurea, Babiana aurea, Montbretia aurea,
GBIF Accepted Name: Crocosmia aurea (Pappe ex Hook.) Planch.