Xela's Garden

Crocosmia / Montbretia 'Orange River' [V]

Genus: Crocosmia.

Species: Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora.

Planted ? Vistabile utility border
02.11 divisions from V. in Blossom Cottage back garden

skill rating beginner
Ultimate spread 0.45m
Ultimate height 0.75m
Time to maturity 2-5 years

Maintenance level 1 hour care per year

Botanical name: Crocosmia 'Orange River'

Other names: Montbretia 'Orange River'

Genus: Crocosmia

Variety or cultivar: 'Orange River' _ 'Orange River' is a clump-forming, cormous perennial with upright, lance-shaped, pleated, grey-green leaves and, from midsummer to mid-autumn, dark, arching, branched stems bearing racemes of orange-red flowers with flushes of yellow down the centre of each petal.

Crocosmia 'Orange River' is: Deciduous

Flower: Orange-red, Flushed yellow in Summer; Flushed yellow, Orange-red in Autumn

Foliage: Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green in Summer; Grey-green in Autumn

Habit: Clump-forming, Erect
.
Specific pests: Red spider mite

Diseases: Generally pest-free.
General care

Propagation methods: Division.

Suggested uses: Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Architectural, Banks and Slopes, City

Cultivation: Plant in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. Lift and divide congested clumps in spring. Mulch in cold areas to protect from frosts.

Soil types: Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light: Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect: South, East, West
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
Hardiness: Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

[Source: www.shootgardening.co.uk/plant/crocosmia-orange-river]

Divide in spring
To remove the corms without damage, dig down 30cm (1ft) to avoid and gently lift
The roots of both perennials form ‘chains’ of corms, which can be replanted intact or individually separated. There is evidence that maintaining the ‘chains’ intact may be the better option
Discard wizened or diseased corms and trim old leaves
Replant sections at their original depth

Some crocosmias, such as Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ and C. × crocosmiiflora ‘Jackanapes’, produce underground stems (stolons) which can be detached, along with fibrous roots, to produce new plants. However, it is worth noting that crocosmias flower profusely when crowded, so do not divide clumps too often – every two or three years should be enough.
[source: rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=363 ]

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