Crocosmia ‘ Lucifer ’ is a repeated plant with splendid crimson , tubular blossom and sword - regulate leave-taking . It belong to the genus Crocosmia , which comprises about eleven specie aboriginal to South Africa , role of central and east Africa , Sudan , and Madagascar . The ‘ Lucifer ’ variety was developed in 1966 and is realise as the most popular and hardy crocosmia in the trade .
It is capable of surviving winter in USDA hardiness zone 5 . This flora is a member of the Iridaceae family and thrive in fertile , softly moist but well - drain stain with a inert pH of 6.0 to 8.0 , in full to fond sun locations .
The plant acquire to a height of 24 to 36 inches with a counterpane of 12 to 24 in . It is good for bed , borders , and containers . Crocosmia ‘ Lucifer ’ is not only a delight for nurseryman but also for wildlife , attracting butterfly and hummingbirds .
Characteristics of Crocosmia Lucifer
How To plant Crocosmia Lucifer
Where To Plant
Crocosmia Lucifer grows effectively in full or fond sun in any locating with a fertile , humus - rich , moist but well - drained dirt . spicy wry land site are commonly not a good place to grow Crocosmia Lucifer . When choosing a planting website , avoid areas with frigid wry winds . Crocosmia Lucifer being an splendid border plant can be plant at the border where it will provide color and dividing line .
How To Plant
set the Crocosmia Lucifer corms at least 2 inch deep and space them at least 6 inches apart . When planting in group , space the Crocosmia at least 18 inches away from other plants . Set the Crocosmia Lucifer corms with the pointy end look up . deal it and beseech the soil down around the roots and water the planting area thoroughly . Then , tally a thick , dry , organic mulch to keep the grunge moist and protect the plant in winter . When growing in container , verify the container has enough drainage maw , then pick out a good potting mix and plant your Crocosmia Lucifer to the same depth of 2 inch .
When To Plant
Even with the perfect dirt and ideal location , if you do n’t plant Crocosmia at the right meter , it can die to grow vibrantly . Most variety of Crocosmia do n’t do well in weather that is too cold or red-hot , therefore , it usually idealistic to engraft your Crocosmia Lucifer in saltation because it is between these two periods .
How To Care For Crocosmia Lucifer
Light requirement
Crocosmia Lucifer plant grows vibrantly and multiply apace in full sunlight or fond shade . Crocosmia can survive in partial shade specially in raging summer climates where partial shade activate the plant life to last longer . However , gorgeous blooms are obtained when planted in full sun , that is , a location that receives at least 6 hours of lineal sunshine .
Soil
Many Crocosmia varieties are not fussy about grime , they expand in jolly fertile , slimly acidic , humus - ample soil that is moist but well - drain . Avoid planting Crocosmia in low lying areas or soggy sites where ground are broadly speaking large mud or waterlogged . the Great Compromiser or waterlogged soil can result in slower growth and poor bloom timbre . Also , waterlogged grease can make the Crocosmia plant susceptible to stem and root word rot , a flora disease that has potential drop to get death of the flora . If your home soil is majorly sullen mud , consider amending the grease with common sand with compost / manure or uprise the Crocosmia in raised beds .
Water Requirement
Crocosmia requires to be watered regularly during the grow season , from spring to autumn . When growing in containers or in garden seam , urine the industrial plant once a week to keep the soil systematically moist or water when the soil feels teetotal . When watering always be careful to avoid overwatering as this can result in pooled water or muddy consideration , a factor that can affect the plant ’s overall wellness and in effect development .
Temperature & Humidity
Crocosmia grow perfectly under room temperature or strong condition of temperatures 70oF and 75oF. Crocosmia is also very much tolerant to high heat and humidity ; it can still grow well in moderately dry climate with balmy temperature . Though too much heat and humidness levels can reduce the plant life ’s life and heyday quality .
Fertilizer
Crocosmia is a stout plant and will thrive in most somewhat productive soil types let in abstemious cadaver , chalk and George Sand . When growing Crocosmia Lucifer in containers or garden , feed the plant ( s ) during summertime or when the shoot get down to show in spring with a high potassium hydroxide slow release fertilizer at least twice a month .
Pruning
Given that Crocosmia is a herbaceous perennial , pruning the plant is not necessary . In previous autumn the top growth will disintegrate and die back , leaving bare ground until spring , when raw shoots will appear . However , you could remove dead blossom heads during the flowering time of year by cut back to where the theme meet the leave-taking to encourage new blooms .
Growing Crocosmia Lucifer In Pots
Growing Crocosmia Lucifer From Seeds
Is Crocosmia Lucifer Poisonous To Dogs?
Crocosmia works variety show contain terpenoid saponins . These are soap - same compounds that can cause stomach tump over in dogs and cat . Ingesting parts of Crocosmia Lucifer can induce your dog to have mild gastronomical upset while ingesting the corm ( bulbs)can cause more serious symptoms such as diarrhoea , breadbasket pains and regurgitation .
What To Plant With Crocosmia Lucifer
The flamboyant colors of Crocosmia add vivid visual interest to cheery border and they are terrific elements in spicy - biased strategy . They radiate attractively with :
Problems: Diseases & Pests
Problem of pests on Crocosmia Lucifer are strange and Crocosmia plant diseases are rarefied , but they do come about . Some of the pest and diseases that can demolish your Crocosmia Lucifer include :
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Crocosmia An Invasive Plant ?
Crocosmia is an encroaching perennial plant life that grows from underground corm . It can invade most low - growing habitats such as wet grasslands , gardens , hedgerows , pasturage , waste areas and wayside .
Why Are My Crocosmia Leaves turn jaundiced ?
yellow of leaves in Crocosmia Lucifer is normally a symptom of gladiolus rust fungus a bacterium disease prevalent in low light and in high spirits humidness surround . Also , yellow of leaf can be a result of overwatering .
Best Time To Mulch Crocosmia ?
Cover the Crocosmia bed with a 1 - inch layer of compost each fall after the plants die back . The compost breaks down over winter and replenishes the nutrients in the territory for the heyday of leap and early summer growth .
How Long Does Crocosmia Bulb Take To Grow / Sprout ?
sprouting takes between 3 to 6 week , sometimes direct much longer .
When Should You establish Crocosmia Bulbs ?
Crocosmia corm should be implant in springiness after all risk of rime has go past . If condition are nerveless or soil temperature is cold , delay the planting until the dirt has warmed up .
