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Family description Crocosmia.

Montbretia is a dense clump forming corm that grows about 2ft high. Considered by some people to be delicate, I've always treaded it almost like a weed. The clumps always get untidy but the flowers produce a welcome splash of colour during the summer lull.

There are more expensive varieties that grow taller. These are usually called Crocosmia and are less inclined to spread. Colours are restricted to red, yellow and orange.

General care.

When the last flowers have finished, cut the entire plant to the ground and tidy up the area removing any weeds that may have encroached.

Every few years, dig the clumps of corms up in the early spring and replant the best ones after forking over the patch and adding some compost or manure. give the surplus away to friends.

This plant can spread badly if not controlled. Use weed killer to prevent the clumps outgrowing their welcome.

Notes on Toxicity or Culinary usage.

No toxic, culinary or medicinal properties known.

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Species description. Crocosmia crocosmiiflora.

Better known as Montbretia these little corm plants can grow into large masses that bloom with yellow or more typical orange flowers from mid to late summer. The long thin lancolate leaves grow to about 50cm.

Display characteristics for Crocosmia crocosmiiflora.

• Plant type: Monocotyledon. Deciduous
• Habit: Erect
• Type: Corm.
• Height: 0.40 mtr.
• Spread: 0.30 mtr.
• Attractive to wildlife: Bees.
• Preferred soil type: Clay. Gravel. Loam. Silt.
• Soil moisture requirement: Low
• Soil ph: Undefined
• Suitable position: Border. Container.
• Light requirements: Full sun. Part sun.
• Summer water requirements: Medium
• Winter water requirements: None
• Minimum temperature: -5 °c
• Safe Minimum temperature: -2 °c
• Safe Maximum temperature: 30 °c
• Maximum temperature: 0 °c
• Wind tolerance: Low
• Salt tolerance: None
• Drought tolerance: Medium
• Waterlogging tolerance: Low
• Toxicity-Edibility: Unknown
• Bloom attributes: Flower arrangement.
• Foliage attributes: Undefined
• Berry attributes: Undefined
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