Montbretias are named after the French botanist Monsieur de Montbret who accompanied Napoleon in the Egypt campaign of 1798. They are now correctly grouped into the Crocosmia genus whose name is derived from the Greek (krokos) for saffron and (osme) for smell which describes the saffron scent that is given off by the dried flowers when rehydrated. The common Garden Monbretia is a hybrid between Crocosmia pottsii and Crocosmia aurea, two species which grow naturally near streams or in woodland in South Africa. Lucifer has been bred to give devilishly red flowers, often quite tall and much earlier into flower than the other Crocosmia. Aptly named with broad green pleated leaves in deep green contrasting wonderfully in late June with the stunning flowers. June/July to 36"
Planting instructions
The big bulbs go in deeply to support the stem and new bulbs grow on top of the old bulbs. Allow 15cm (6") between plants and they will thicken up nicely. They will not flourish on poor dry soil - they must have rich soil and summer moisture. They are hardy once established deeply but do benefit from winter mulching to protect the early shoots and do better with splitting and relocation at regular intervals. Thick clumps should be lifted and divided in Spring to maintain vigour
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