Crocosmia Flowers Explained: Care, Colours, Vase Life and Design Ideas

Whether it’s called montbretia, copper tips or even more poetically, falling stars, the fiery colours of Crocosmia are unmistakable. Their tall, arched stems provide both height and structure in garden borders and floral designs, while the green seedheads that follow the vibrant flowers are an extra bonus.

Buying Crocosmia

Stem length: 65-90cm, generally sold in bunches of twenty, although it is possible to buy mixed colours in larger quantities.

When to buy: Both flowering Crocosmia and its seedheads are available at wholesalers from mid-summer through to late autumn.

Buy from UK growers from June to September.

Crocosmia Cut Flower Guide

Vase life as a cut flower: 7-10 days.

Colour Range: Flower are combinations of golden orange, red, yellow and terracotta tones. Seedheads range from sage green and russet brown to dark red.

Ideal temperature range: 8-10°C, they prefer to be kept out of cold storage.

How to care for Crocosmia

• On arrival re-cut stems using a sharp knife and place in fresh water which should be changed every 2-3 days.

• As the stems can tangle easily, don’t overcrowd containers.

• Crocosmia flower from the bottom up, remove lower flowers as they die off to improve its appearance.

Using Crocosmia in wedding and design work

This is a great flower for early autumn weddings especially when a bride is looking for a seasonal palette. Show off its elegant, slim stems in venue and table designs, contrasting it against fuller flowers. Semi-woody, it prefers to be arranged in water rather than in other mediums such as foam or moss. The attractive seedheads are easy to wire, adding a textural element into buttonholes and corsages.

How to grow Crocosmia

Crocosmia naturalises easily once established. It will grow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. To prevent it becoming invasive, divide clumps every 2-3 years in spring.

How to preserve Crocosmia

Dry using the air drying method. Harvest the flowers just as the lower buds are opening, removing all lower leaves. Hang small bunches upside down in a warm, dry area. These versatile flowers can also be pressed.

Montbretia or Crocosmia?

These names are often interchangeable, Montbretia generally refers to the popular naturalised garden variety while cultivated types are more commonly called Crocosmia.

Did you know? The name comes from the Greek ‘krokos.’ Saffron and ‘osme’ scent, as they have a saffron like scent once dried.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Crocosmia last in a vase?

Crocosmia typically has a vase life of 7-10 days when stems are re-cut on arrival and placed in fresh water that is changed regularly.

When is Crocosmia in season?

Crocosmia flowers from summer into early autumn. UK-grown stems are generally available from June to September, with seedheads available later in the season.

Is Crocosmia suitable for wedding flowers?

Yes. Crocosmia is popular for late summer and autumn weddings thanks to its warm seasonal colours, elegant stems and attractive seedheads.

Can Crocosmia be dried?

Yes. Crocosmia can be air-dried by hanging small bunches upside down in a warm, dry space. The flowers can also be pressed for crafts and decorative work.

What's the difference between Montbretia and Crocosmia?

The names are often used interchangeably. Montbretia usually refers to the naturalised garden variety, while cultivated forms are more commonly sold as Crocosmia.

How do you grow Crocosmia?

Crocosmia grows best in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Divide established clumps every few years to maintain healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.

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Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over Thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.