Description

General aspect and origins - Crocosmia masoniorum is also known as montbretia. It is a bulbous plant that belongs to a genus with 8 species and that is native to South Africa. It has lanceolate and stiff decidious leaves, and can grow up to about 3 ft (90 cm) tall. The flowers are orange with yellow and orange-red traces.
Leaves - Leaves are lanceolate, stiff and decidious. They are 2-3 in (60-90 cm) long, and about 1-2 in (2.5-5cm) wide.
Flowers - Flowers appear in summer. They are orange, with orange-red and yellow traces. The inflorescence stem bears small 1 in flowers, and tends to form an arc.

Culture

This plant can be successfully included in herbaceous borders which will be especially attractive in summer. Moreover, it is very frost hardy, as the bulbs will withstand cold temperatures down to -10°F/-15°F (about -25°C). It can thus be grown in USDA zones 6a and warmer, and can even be tried in zones 5b.
Soil - Croscomias can thrive in a relatively large range of soils, provided they are not waterlogged in winter.