Topic: Crocosmia failure

[valmarg]

Alishka and Deeds, we are obviously soulmates in the question of the THUG montbretia.

It's taking time, but I think I'm getting the better of if, in most parts of the garden.

Wish you luck in your efforts.

valmarg

[Garden Manager]

I should point out that for some reason crocosmia is NOT a problem in my garden.

The only problem I have is that when they flower its never for long enough!

[Deeds]

Ok confession time - 1 do have some lots that I really, really like
Emily McKenzie
Rowalane Yellow
Devil's Advocate
Honey Angels
None of these really bulk up quiclky - and my favourite Rowalane Yellow is agonisingly slow.

I also have Culzean Pink, but have to watch that one as it spreads like wildfire.

I have a friend who is the National Collection Holder and his collection is amazing - but he will insist on giving me plants :-X

[froglets]

oooh Deeds, sounds like heaven.

The first bed when you come into my garden is the HOT bed and I have several varieties of Crocosmia.  Some reds but also opal fruit soft orange through to canary yellow.  I bought a new one at Tatton this year ( at work & can't remember the variety) which has large open forward facing flowers.  £4 for a small pot most of which had only one corm in but I hunted around and got 4.

They look great amongst the tall dark leaved lobelias - Queen Victoria etc.

This year the canary yellow's are the only ones that have failed.  The rest are reasonably well behaved, but are mostly named hybrid's which may have a lot to do with it.

[Garden Manager]

I have a compact yellow one called 'Citronella', that I bought at a show. Hasnt flowerd that well for me since I got it, but I moved it to a better position this year so hoping for a beter show in a few weeks time.

I also have Lucifer, and a compact small flowered red which his vigourous in spread but isnt as invasive as the common montbretia. Had it for quite a few years but sadly dont know its name.

[Deeds]

You could always try to identify it here.http://www.theafricangarden.com/page38.html

(ps this is porn for Crocosmia lovers)

[Garden Manager]

You could always try to identify it here.http://www.theafricangarden.com/page38.html

(ps this is porn for Crocosmia lovers)

I should say!

The plant in question is not quite in flower yet so have 'bookmarked' the site and will have a look when its out. The thing I find is though, with some of these plants the difference between hybrids is so subtle that I cant work out which is which!

Thanks fo the link though.

[Mr_Crocosmia]

Being the National Collection Holder of crocosmia......... this post made me smile.

There is only one thug in the crocosmia world and that is the orange one called crocosmia x crocosmiiflora or commonly known as Montbretia.

Different varieties like different conditions, that's why some do well in the heat and some don't........
If a plant has Aurea in it, then it will like shade and rich humus soil as Aurea species plants in South Africa grow in woodland areas.
If it has Pottsii in it, then it will like its feet wet as the Pottsii species grows on riverbanks..........

I could go on and on but won't as I dont really want to bore you too much.

Crocosmia are a very misunderstood plant and has a bad name due to that orange thug........ but trust me they aren't all the same!!

Anyway i just wanted to add my twopence worth as I adore crocosmia........

Mark

[hopalong]

Like others, I'm puzzled by the failures.  Mine have done very well this year - both the common thuggish orange ones, which spread everywhere, and some much larger bright red ones which looked lovely until they finished flowering a little while ago. Picture attached.
[attachment=1]

[Pesky Wabbit]

Like others, I'm puzzled by the failures. 

If my memory serves me right, 2006 was the hottest driest year for decades. 2007 & 2008 had just a tad more rain.

[Mr_Crocosmia]

Yes 2006 was very dry............... but if you kept them watered they would have been ok. Some of mine turned brown too, but it doesn't affect the plants regrowth the next year.

[hopalong]

Yes 2006 was very dry............... but if you kept them watered they would have been ok. Some of mine turned brown too, but it doesn't affect the plants regrowth the next year.

Same here.  They keep growing and multiplying even if the leaves turn brown.  No brown leaves for me this year though.