Crocosmia: Fiery Summer Flowers on Sword-Shaped Leaves

Flaunting sprays of splashy flowers in fiery shades over sword-shaped leaves, Crocosmia and its hybrids are summer show-offs. Native to southern Africa, these perennials grow from corms and thrive in well-drained soil amended with compost. They can get by on little water but do best with regular irrigation during growth and bloom. In hottest climates, they need partial shade.

The original hybrid is Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora, commonly called montbretia, bearing crimson-orange flowers 1½–2 inches across on 2–3 ft plants. Among many other hybrids is 'Lucifer' (bright red flowers on 4-ft plants). The species C. masoniorum bears flaming orange to scarlet-orange flowers atop arching stems.

If you want to try Crocosmia in cold climates (below 10°F, ground freezes), dig up corms every fall; store frost-free for winter, replant in spring.