Crocosmia - planting and care in the open field
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A perennial herbaceous bulbous hybrid plant with colorful and vibrant flowers that resemble tongues of flame is called crocosmia, or montbrecia. These are just two different names for the same plant, and the people also call it the Japanese gladiolus.
The origin and appearance of the plant
Montbrecia appeared thanks to the works of the French breeder V. Lemoine. In 1880, he crossed the Potts crocosmia and the golden one, as a result of which a magnificent garden hybrid was obtained. In Latin, the flower is called Crocosmia.
The plant has been widely used in decorative floriculture for over a century. It is used to create landscape compositions, decorate terraces and balconies. The Iris family, to which the crocosmia belongs, is very popular with both experienced and novice florists.
Montbrecia appearance
Crocosmia in height reaches from 40 cm to 1 m. Leaves are thin and long, corrugated structure, arranged in small bunches. Spike-shaped inflorescences are located closer to the top of the stem. On one stem, there are on average about 40 flowers, which begin to open from the lower inflorescences.
Description of the Irisov family
The Iris family has about 1800 plant species belonging to 75-80 genera. The most common representatives are juno, irises, herododictiums, gladioli, acidants and crocosmias. Representatives of the family grow almost all over the world. It is difficult to find botanical gardens without these plants, which combine only herbaceous perennials.
Representatives of Iris differ in iris leaves with a two-row arrangement and a xiphoid, crescent or ribbon-like shape. Flowers are collected in paniculate and racemose inflorescences. Pollinated mainly by insects, but there are species pollinated by birds.
Crocosmia in the garden
Crocosmia perennial
An attractive, bright flower with an unusual name for perennial crocosmia is perfect for decorating a summer-autumn flower garden. Its lush, bright orange blossoms are effectively combined with narrow, bright green foliage. The flower is distinguished not only by its expressive, but also by long flowering, which lasts until autumn.
During flowering, the flower exudes a pleasant aroma reminiscent of the scent of saffron. It even persists after the plant has dried.
As for the reproduction of the Crocosmia flower, it is carried out by vegetative or seed methods. In order to get a formed plant by the spring, it is necessary to sow it for seedlings in advance. Therefore, reproduction by dividing the corms is recognized as the most convenient.
The flowering period of perennial crocosmia lasts from July to September, some varieties bloom until the first frost.
Popular types of crocosmia for growing in the garden
Crocosmia is an unpretentious plant, therefore, it is preferred by both experienced gardeners and beginners. This flower is used to create various flower combinations and decorate the garden.
- Crocosmia Lucifer. The plant can reach a height of 150 cm. Peduncles are straight, flowers are rich red or pastel colors. The variety is distinguished by high frost resistance, therefore crocosmia Lucifer is most often grown in the northern regions of Russia. At the same time, in regions with not too frosty winters, gardeners leave the corms of the plant for wintering in the soil.
- Crocosmia paniculata. One of the most common types. The height of the bush reaches 150 cm. The flowers are orange-brown, the leaves of a narrow form are rich green. The flowering period is in June.
- Golden. This species is distinguished by small inflorescences of golden, orange or red color and linear leaves. The plant blooms in September.
- Potts. The plant stands out with narrow emerald leaves and small orange flowers. The flower of this species grows well in shaded areas and swampy areas.
- Emily Mackenzie. Plants of this species are compact in size, their height does not exceed 0.6 m. Stems are erect with a large number of brownish-orange inflorescences.
Crocosmia Lucifer
- Mandarin Queen. The bush reaches a height of 1.2 m. Flowers are rich orange in color.
- George Davidson. The bush grows to a height of 0.7 m. The leaves are dark green, the flowers are amber yellow. Flowering begins in July. This species is great for cutting.
- Mackenzie. One of the undersized representatives of the species. The plant grows to a height of 60 cm. It stands out with orange-brown inflorescences with pointed ends.
- Star of the East. Crocosmia grows up to 1 m in height. It has strong stems and rich green leaves. Flowers grow up to 10 cm in diameter, apricot shade. This species is considered one of the longest flowering species.
- Red King. The characteristic features of this flower are rich orange inflorescences with a speck in the middle. It grows to a height of about 80 cm.
- Massonorum. The plant is famous for its fiery orange inflorescences and deep green xiphoid leaves. The bush reaches a height of 60 cm. The flowering period is in July. The plant is highly frost-resistant.
Crocosmia Massonorum
Growing conditions
When growing a crocosmia flower, planting and care in the open field and with seeds does not cause any special problems, since there is no need to use special tools and equipment. For a plant to grow and develop normally, it is enough to provide it with normal conditions.
Growing from seeds
It is recommended to grow crocosmia, or montbrecia, through seedlings in mid-latitudes, since if seeds are sown in open ground, they can give minimal shoots or not at all.
The most optimal time for sowing seeds for seedlings is February-March. For sowing, you need to prepare a shallow container. A drainage layer is laid at the bottom, and then the container is filled with soil with humus and coarse sand.
After sowing, you need to take care of the flower every day, remove the shelter from the crops so that they are ventilated.Watering is carried out as needed. It is recommended to gently loosen the soil after each watering.
As soon as shoots begin to appear, the film can be removed.
As soon as 2-3 true leaves appear on the seedlings, the seedlings dive into the pots and continue to develop in them until they are planted in open ground. A few weeks before that, it is tempered by taking it out into the street.
As soon as the threat of frost has passed and the soil warms up, the seedlings can be planted in previously prepared and fertilized open ground. After planting, the flowers should be watered and fertilized systematically.
When and how to plant crocosmia in open ground
Experienced gardeners do not recommend planting perennial crocosmia in open ground, since this method of planting often leads to poor and fragile seedlings. But, despite this, those who live in the southern regions practice this method.
Crocosmia bulbs
It is best to set aside a place for pre-germination. Since the flower is thermophilic, it is best to plant it when the soil warms up to about 10 ° C and the threat of frost is over. Therefore, the timing of planting varies depending on the characteristics of the climate. On average, sowing is carried out in late April - early May.
The planting site should be well lit and there should be no shadow on the plant. Also, there should be no drafts on the site. The flowerbed is preliminarily prepared, the soil is dug up, and fertilizers are applied to it. Then shallow grooves are made, which are watered before planting. After that, the seeds are distributed and sprinkled with soil, and also covered with a film or non-woven fiber on top.
Care features
The flower needs to be provided with moderate root watering throughout its life cycle. It is enough to water the flower 1-2 times a week. If it rains systematically, then watering stops.
Top dressing
If the soil has been properly fertilized before planting, then there is no need for frequent fertilizing. If not, then fertilizer should be applied systematically, every 10 days. During the budding period, to stimulate flowering, fertilizing is needed to saturate the plant with potassium. If everything is done correctly, then the flower will surely thank its owner with a spectacular appearance and a pleasant aroma.
Preparing for winter
In regions where the air temperature drops below -20 ° C, according to the general description of the plant, the bulbs must be removed from the soil in autumn. This is done around the beginning of October. After digging, they are dried and placed in a cool, ventilated place with an air temperature of about 10 ° C.
Potential pests and diseases
When crocosmia is grown on waterlogged soil types, the plant can suffer from fungal diseases. In addition, flowers can be affected by fusarium and jaundice. As for pests, thrips and a bear can destroy the plant. Fungicides will help against ailments, and insecticides will help parasites.
Flower thrips
Graceful crocosmias will be a wonderful decoration for both summer and autumn flower gardens. These amazing plants of the Iris family will look equally impressive both in groups and singly. Moreover, in the process of caring for them, you do not need to do anything supernatural. The formula for success is to provide moderate watering and systematic fertilization.
