CROCOSMIA

With their striking sword-like foliage and dazzling flowers, crocosmias bring a bright burst of high-summer colour to the garden

- JOHN HOYLAND

What A small genus of bulbous plants in the Iridaceae family, with brightly coloured flowers, usually red or orange, and upright, sword-shaped leaves. The eight species include C. aurea, C. pottsii, C.masoniorum and the semi-naturalised C.paniculata. They are commonly known as montbretia, falling stars and, in the USA, as coppertops.

Origins Southern and Eastern Africa.

Season Flowers between June and August, some lasting into September.

Size From 50cm to 1.8m tall.

Conditions Thrives in sunny situations in rich, well-drained soil.

Hardiness Some are hardy throughout the UK, but others will need winter protection. Most have an RHS hardiness rating of H4-H5, and are suitable for gardens in USDA zones 5a to 10b.

Holds an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Hardiness ratings given where available.

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Coleton Fishacre'

Vigorous and floriferous, flowering from mid-July until the end of August with luminous, apricot-yellow flowers. The dark-green leaves are overlaid with a bronze sheen to offset the flowers perfectly. 1m x 45cm.

RHS H4, USDA 6a-9b.

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Columbus'

Dark stems carry gold, purple-tinged buds that open to reveal orange-yellow flowers. Each petal's base is delicately marked with orange spots. Blooms from June to September.

75cm x 45cm. AGM* RHS H4, USDA 6a-9b.

Crocosmia 'Citrone Spray' 

A tall hybrid with masses of lemon-yellow flowers. The flower sprays cascade outwards, in the manner of a freesia. It blooms slightly later than other crocosmias, so it is a useful plant for extending the flowering season.

1.2m x 70cm.