A perennial with sword-like mid-green leaves. Branched spikes of crimson-splashed, bright orange, freesia-like flowers. Height 60cm. Spread 80cm. Flowers late summer. Full sun/partial shade. Moist but free draining soil. Hardy.
Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ is a striking perennial that adds vibrant colour and dramatic flowers to any garden. With its sword-like leaves and bright orange flowers splashed with crimson, this plant is a must-have for gardeners who appreciate bold, eye-catching blooms. Follow this guide to ensure your Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ thrives in your garden.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The best time to plant Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ is in spring when the risk of frost has passed. This allows the plant to establish its roots before the blooming season begins.
Autumn: Alternatively, planting Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ in early autumn can help the plant settle before the colder months, leading to stronger growth the following spring.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ensure the location receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage the best flowering performance.
Soil: Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ prefers moist but free-draining soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as they can lead to root rot. Incorporate organic matter like compost to improve drainage and soil structure.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is about twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’. This gives the roots ample space to grow.
Soil Preparation: Mix organic compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ thrives in nutrient-rich soil, which supports strong, healthy growth.
Planting: Place your Crocosmia corms into the hole, ensuring that the top of the corm is level with the surrounding soil surface. Gently backfill and firm the soil to remove air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Ensure the area drains well to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Crocosmia requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during dry spells. However, ensure the soil is well-drained, as excessive moisture can cause root rot.
Dormant Season: Once the plant becomes dormant in late autumn, reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry during the winter months.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to promote strong, healthy growth. This provides essential nutrients to support as Crocosmia as it begins to grow.
Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer will help maintain robust growth and encourage continuous flowering.
Pruning
Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly from your Crocosmia to extend the flowering period and keep the plant tidy.
Autumn Pruning: After the blooming season, cut the plant back to ground level in autumn. This encourages healthy growth the following year and prepares the plant for winter dormancy.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Winter: In colder months, mulching helps protect the plant’s roots from frost. Use organic mulch such as bark chips or compost for the best protection.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ has sturdy stems, but in windy locations, staking may be necessary to prevent damage. Use plant supports to keep the flower spikes upright during heavy winds.
Final Tips
Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ is a striking, low-maintenance perennial that adds bold, freesia-like flowers to your garden. By planting it in full sun or partial shade with moist but well-drained soil and following this care guide, this Crocosmia will reward you with vibrant blooms from late summer into autumn.
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Sarah (verified owner) –
Arrived looking fairly healthy and well protected – full results will be known next year!