Crocosmia 'Star of the East': Giant Orange Blooms on Sturdy Stems

If 'Lucifer' is the fiery classic, Crocosmia 'Star of the East' is the refined giant. This cultivar produces the largest flowers of any crocosmia—nearly 4 inches across—in a glowing soft orange with a pale center. Its exceptionally sturdy, 40–48 inch stems hold the blooms upright without staking, and the attractive green foliage remains vertical and fresh well into fall. Blooming begins in late summer and continues into autumn, bridging the seasonal color gap beautifully.

Culture & Care

• Winter Protection: Mulch well in Zone 6 and cooler parts of Zone 7.
• Pests: Spider mites if stressed or in too much shade; voles may eat corms (use barriers).
• Site: Full sun, well-drained soil.

—Kelly Dodson and Sue Milliken, Far Reaches Farm

At a Glance