Description

Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ (often sold as montbretia) brings vivid orange, tubular flowers with a darker centre for strong late-summer colour. This clump-forming perennial grows from corms and returns year after year in the right spot. It’s ideal for borders and larger pots, adding upright, sword-like foliage and arching flower stems. Plant in groups for the best impact and a longer-looking display as blooms open progressively along the stem. A great choice for warm-toned planting schemes and for picking fresh stems for indoor vases. Best results come from a sunny position with moist but well-drained soil. In very hot/dry conditions, flowering can be weaker, so regular watering in dry spells helps.

Also known as (common/other names):

• Montbretia ‘Emily McKenzie’
• Crocosmia ‘Lady McKenzie’ (synonym)
• Coppertips / Falling Stars

Key Benefits:

• Reliable late-summer colour to extend the season
• Perennial corms – comes back each year
• Clump-forming habit – looks best in groups/drifts
• Excellent cut flower stems for vases
• Works well in borders and large containers
• Strappy foliage adds texture even before flowering
• Easy-care once established
• Suitable for full sun or light/partial shade
• Great for warm, “fiery” planting combinations

Product Details:

• Variety: Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’
• Pack size: 10 corms
• Flower colour: vivid orange with darker centre
• Typical mature height: up to approx. 85cm in flower (growing conditions can affect height)
• Flowering time: summer to late summer (often June–Sep)
• Corm size: 6/8

Pollinator friendly: Yes – crocosmia flowers can provide nectar/pollen and this variety is known for attracting bees and other pollinators.

Best companions (plant together):

• Alliums (late spring structure before crocosmia starts)
• Gladiolus (summer spikes with similar sunny requirements)
• Dahlias (late summer colour that overlaps beautifully)
• Lilies (vertical accents + fragrance)
• Rudbeckia (gold tones) and Penstemon (long flowering) for a hot border look

More Reasons to Choose Crocosmia:

• Strong “garden border” performer with long seasonal interest
• Easy to lift, divide and replant if clumps get crowded
• Looks great with ornamental grasses for movement
• Good option for adding colour when many plants are fading
• Suitable for mixed cottage and contemporary planting styles
• Can be grown in swathes for a professional landscaped effect
• Low fuss: water in dry spells, feed lightly if needed
• Great value: perennial return from one planting

Growing Information:

• Flowering time: summer / late summer
• Height: up to approx. 85cm
• Position: full sun to partial shade; sheltered spot helps in colder areas
• Soil: fertile, moist but well-drained (avoid waterlogged soil)

Planting Guide (simple steps):

1. Plant in spring when the risk of hard frost has passed (typically from March onwards).
2. Choose a sunny/bright spot with well-drained soil.
3. Plant corms approx. 7–10cm deep and about 10–15cm apart.
4. Water in after planting and keep slightly moist while establishing.
5. In cold or exposed gardens, mulch in autumn for extra winter protection.
6. Leave foliage until it dies back naturally to feed next year’s flowering.

Good to know:

• Crocosmia are cormous perennials in the iris family (Iridaceae).
• Blooms open progressively up the stem, helping the display last longer.
• Clumps multiply over time – divide in spring if flowering reduces.
• Plant responsibly: some crocosmia types can spread; keep clumps within your garden and dispose of waste thoughtfully.

Buyer “Trust Checklist” (FAQ):

• Are these bulbs or corms? Crocosmia grow from corms .
• When will they flower? Typically summer to late summer; strongest flowering is often from year 2 as clumps establish.
• Do I need full sun? Full sun is best for flowering, but light/partial shade is fine.
• Can I grow in pots? Yes – use a deep container with drainage holes and keep watered in dry spells.
• Will they spread? They can multiply; divide clumps in spring to control size and improve flowering.

What You Will Receive:

• Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ – pack of 10 corms
• Eco-friendly recyclable packaging
• Planting and care instructions included

Thank you for looking.