Montbretia
Crocosmia aurea
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Pl. EFDE — Crocosmia aurea
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IOverview
Overview
Montbretia, scientifically known as Crocosmia aurea, is a striking perennial that thrives in full to partial sun and moist conditions. Native to regions including Angola, Burundi, and various parts of Africa such as the Cape Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal, this plant has been cultivated for its ornamental value and edible corms. Standing at about 1 meter tall, Montbretia features vibrant orange or red flowers that make it a popular choice in gardens. Its light requirement and soil preferences of being well-drained to medium-textured align with its native habitats, making it adaptable in USDA hardiness zones 6-9.
Quick answers
What is Montbretia?
Montbretia, scientifically known as Crocosmia aurea, is a striking perennial that thrives in full to partial sun and moist conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Montbretia thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 and reaches a height of about 1 meter. For propagation, gardeners can divide the corms in late autumn for new plants. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-9
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Montbretia for the first time
8steps
Start with Montbretia for a low-maintenance, colorful addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Corms, potting soil, a trowel, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early summer for best growth.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with some sand. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant corms 5-10 cm deep, spaced about 20 cm apart in the garden or pots.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water when soil feels dry. Fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late winter to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune dead leaves.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Corm
Edible uses: Colouring
Other uses:DyeFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 2 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 16 native· 2 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Portugal
Asia1 region
introduced (1)Japan
Africa10 regions
native (10)AngolaBurundiEswatiniLesothoMalawiMozambiqueSudanTanzaniaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces, Central African Repu, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Provinces, Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · efdef141-1a77-41d5-96e2-50604d563426
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