Crocosmia aurea

Common Names

Montbretia, Valentine Flower, Valentynsblom

Summary

Crocosmia aurea is a deciduous cormous perennial in the Iridaceae family found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Swaziland. It grows in moist habitats such as stream banks, wooded kloofs, and forest margins, forming large open clumps with erect sword-shaped leaves and branched spikes of bright orange flowers in summer; the plant typically reaches about 0.8–1.2 m in height and the blooms are long-lasting in the vase.

In cultivation it prefers full sun to partial shade with moist but well-drained soil and can be grown in wetlands or well-watered containers. Propagation is by seeds or division; it is hardy in zones 6a–9b and attracts birds and insects with its summer flowers. The plant forms large colonies via corms and long stolons and can be invasive if not controlled, making it a striking focal point in mixed plantings or suitable for decorative container displays.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

32-40 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun, tolerates Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained loam or sandy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil (moist in spring).

Soil pH

6.1-7.8, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline

Bloom Color

Orange

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Medium Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies and birds